467 Views

Why Does Shelley Forbid Men to Mourn for Adonais?

Shape Shape

"Adonais" is a notable literary work by Percy Bysshe Shelley. 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 "Adonais".

Answer

Why does Shelley forbid men to mourn for Adonais? 

In “Adonais” (1821), P. B. Shelley (1792-1822) mourns the untimely death of the Romantic poet John Keats (1795-1821). In the poem, Shelley tells people not to mourn for Keats (called Adonais in the poem) because he believes death is not the end of everything. Death is a joyful escape to eternal beauty. He uses simple, hopeful ideas to explain why sadness is unnecessary.

Adonais is not Truly Dead: Shelley believes Adonais is not truly dead. He personifies death and says it is ‘Death’ who is dead. So he forbids to mourn for Adonais—

“He lives, he wakes—’tis Death is dead, not he;

Mourn not for Adonais.”

Shelley says Adonais has become part of nature and the universe. His spirit lives in the wind, stars, and sunlight. Mourning him is silly because he is still here, just in a different form. For example, Shelley writes,

“He is made one with Nature.”

This means Keats’ soul is now part of everything beautiful around us.

Death Frees Adonais: Shelley thinks life is full of pain, but death frees Adonais from suffering. While alive, Keats faced cruelty from critics and sadness. In death, he finds peace and becomes “a star.” Just as starts guide wayfinders, Keats’s works guide others. Shelley says crying for Adonais is selfish—it is better to celebrate that he is finally happy after death.

Art Makes Him Immortal: Keats’ poetry keeps him alive forever. People who mourn do not realize Keats’ words will never die. His legacy is stronger than death, so tears are pointless. Shelley scolds mourners for focusing on loss instead of hope. He says sadness blinds people to the beauty Adonais left behind. He tells men to admire Keats’ work and let it inspire them.

Death is Natural: Like flowers that wilt (fade/fall) but grow again, Shelley says death is part of life’s cycle. Adonais’ death is not tragic—it is a step into

Unlock this study guide now