"On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" : Literary devices
"On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" is a notable literary work by John Keats. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer".
Literary devices
Literary Terms
- Sonnet: “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer” is a Petrarchan Sonnet with iambic pentameter.
Figures of Speech:
Allusion: Keats alludes to historical and mythological figures, like Cortez (the explorer) and Apollo (the Greek god of poetry), to highlight the magnitude of Homer’s influence.
Metaphor: “realms of gold”: Represents the world of literature, which is full of valuable and beautiful works.
Imagery: The poem is full of vivid images, such as “a new planet swims into his ken” and “a peak in Darien,” which evoke a sense of discovery and awe.
Simile: “Like some watcher of the skies / When a new planet swims into his ken”: Compares Keats’s reaction to the feeling of discovering a new planet.
Hyperbole: Keats exaggerates his experience of reading Chapman’s translation by comparing it to monumental discoveries in history.
Symbolism/Symbols: Using objects or images to represent bigger ideas. Examples:
- “Realms of gold”: “Realms of gold” symbolizes classical Greek literature’s vast and untapped treasures.
- “Cortez”: The reference to Cortez, the Spanish conquistador, symbolizes the spirit of exploration and discovery.
- “Eagle”: The eagle symbolizes keen vision and the ability to fly to great heights.
- Homer Himself: Homer, the ancient Greek poet, symbolizes timeless literary greatness.