On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer - A poem by John Keats


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John Keats - On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer

Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold,
    And many goodly states and kingdoms seen;
    Round many western islands have I been
Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold.
Oft of one wide expanse had I been told
    That deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne;
    Yet did I never breathe its pure serene
Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold:
Then felt I like some watcher of the skies
    When a new planet swims into his ken;
Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes
    He star'd at the Pacific--and all his men
Look'd at each other with a wild surmise--
    Silent, upon a peak in Darien.

Added: on August 21st, 2005 at 10:35 AM | Viewed: 6853 times | Comments (2)

On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer - Comments and Information
Poet: John Keats Poem: On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer Poem of the Day on: Mar 20 2008 Comment 2 of 2, added on March 29th, 2006 at 2:59 PM. Jean hull Herman shouldnt compare his work not even in joke to one of the greats, so you read the illiad most of us have. Go show your stupefaction and stupidity somewhere else! - David from Colombia Comment 1 of 2, added on August 21st, 2005 at 10:35 AM. This unparalled poem uses carefully precise words in perfect poetic diction. Each word has two or more meanings, and yet still the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. One reads this, and sits in shock, and then goes running to find the Iliad and reread it. Would that I could approach such glory in my own work. Jean Hull Herman from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer, has received 2 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by John Keats with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer Last read: 2008-07-22 14:13:58 Poem of the Day on: Mar 20 2008 Viewed 6853 times. Added on August 21st, 2005 at 10:35 AM.

Keats Info
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