Literary Terms

• Ode → The poem is a type of ode, which means it is a serious, thoughtful poem about a deep subject.

• Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Example: “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!”
• Metaphor: A comparison between two things without using "like" or "as." Example: “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!” Here, the nightingale is a metaphor for eternal beauty and immortality, as it is "not born for death."
• Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things. The nightingale is personified as a bride, suggesting purity and beauty.
• Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement or claim. Example: “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!” The nightingale is exaggeratedly described as immortal, as if it cannot die. It represents idealised beauty.

• The Nightingale: Symbol of Eternal Beauty and Freedom.
• Wine/Bacchus: Symbol of Earthly pleasure and escapism.
• The Forest (Nature): Symbol of Escape from Reality.
• The "Eternal" Song of the Nightingale: Symbol of Timeless Art and Imagination.
• Hemlock: Symbol of death or poison.