"Ode on Melancholy"

Poetry | John Keats

Ode on Melancholy Quotes

“No, no, go not to Lethe…”
Explanation: In this line, Keats warns not to escape sorrow by forgetting or avoiding it. He encourages facing emotions instead.
“She [melancholy] dwells with Beauty—Beauty that must die;”
Explanation: Here, Keats says sadness is part of beauty because all beautiful things eventually fade away.
“And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips

Bidding adieu;...”

Explanation: These lines show that joy is never permanent—it is always about to leave.
“Emprison her soft hand, and let her rave,

And feed deep, deep upon her peerless eyes.”

Explanation: Keats suggests embracing strong emotions like love or sorrow, instead of running from them.

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from John Keats