"On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" : Summary
"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, to various questions of "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer".
Summary
Appreciating Chapman’s Translation: The poem’s speaker has traveled to many countries or states. He also crossed the Aegean to the western islands. The poet had heard many praises of the writings of the Greek poets but had never had the opportunity to read them. The first Greek text he read was George Chapman’s translation of Homer. After reading this text, the poet feels he has discovered a new world.
Discovering a New Literary World: The poet’s feelings were the same of an astronaut after discovering a new planet. Keats compared his feelings to that of the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez. Just as Hernán Cortez first marveled at the Pacific Ocean, the poet marveled at this Homer.