On Receiving a Curious Shell (Poem by John Keats)

On Receiving a Curious Shell, and a Copy of Verses, from the Ladies

By John Keats

Hast thou from the caves of Golconda, a gem

    Pure as the ice-drop that froze on the mountain?

Bright as the humming-bird's green diadem,

    When it flutters in sun-beams that shine through a fountain?

Hast thou a goblet for dark sparkling wine?

    That goblet right heavy, and massy, and gold?

And splendidly mark'd with the story divine

    Of Armida the fair, and Rinaldo the bold?

Hast thou a steed with a mane richly flowing?

    Hast thou a sword that thine enemy's smart is?

Hast thou a trumpet rich melodies blowing?

    And wear'st thou the shield of the fam'd Britomartis?

What is it that hangs from thy shoulder, so brave,

    Embroidered with many a spring peering flower?

Is it a scarf that thy fair lady gave?

    And hastest thou now to that fair lady's bower?

Ah! courteous Sir Knight, with large joy thou art crown'd;

    Full many the glories that brighten thy youth!

I will tell thee my blisses, which richly abound

    In magical powers to bless, and to sooth.

On this scroll thou seest written in characters fair

    A sun-beamy tale of a wreath, and a chain;

And, warrior, it nurtures the property rare

    Of charming my mind from the trammels of pain.

This canopy mark: 'tis the work of a fay;

    Beneath its rich shade did King Oberon languish,

When lovely Titania was far, far away,

    And cruelly left him to sorrow, and anguish.

There, oft would he bring from his soft sighing lute

    Wild strains to which, spell-bound, the nightingales listened;

The wondering spirits of heaven were mute,

    And tears 'mong the dewdrops of morning oft glistened.

In this little dome, all those melodies strange,

    Soft, plaintive, and melting, for ever will sigh;

Nor e'er will the notes from their tenderness change;

    Nor e'er will the music of Oberon die.

So, when I am in a voluptuous vein,

    I pillow my head on the sweets of the rose,

And list to the tale of the wreath, and the chain,

    Till its echoes depart; then I sink to repose.

Adieu, valiant Eric! with joy thou art crown'd;

    Full many the glories that brighten thy youth,

I too have my blisses, which richly abound

    In magical powers, to bless and to sooth.

Poem Analysis:

John Keats, renowned for his lyrical and imaginative poetry, presents readers with a charming and evocative piece in "On Receiving a Curious Shell." This poem serves as a celebration of art, imagination, and the enchanting world of the creative mind. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical storytelling, Keats invites readers to explore the beauty and wonder contained within the verses.

1. The Curious Shell as a Work of Art: The poem opens with the speaker addressing a mysterious shell, an object of natural beauty that captivates the observer's imagination. The shell is described as a gem from the fabled caves of Golconda, a place known for its treasures. This initial imagery sets the stage for an exploration of the shell as a work of art crafted by nature itself.
2. The Poetic Description of the Shell: Keats employs lush and descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the shell's allure. He likens it to various precious and beautiful objects, from the pureness of an ice-drop to the splendor of a humming-bird's green diadem. Each comparison enhances the reader's understanding of the shell's aesthetic value.
3. The Power of Art to Evoke Emotion: As the poem progresses, Keats shifts the focus from the shell to the transformative power of art. The speaker asks the recipient whether they possess various objects associated with knights, heroes, and fairy tales. These inquiries emphasize the enchanting qualities of art and how it can transport individuals to different realms and emotions.
4. The Scroll's Magical Properties: Keats introduces a scroll adorned with a sun-beamy tale of a wreath and a chain. This scroll is described as having the ability to charm the speaker's mind, providing solace from the trammels of pain. It symbolizes the transcendent nature of art and its capacity to offer comfort and inspiration.
5. The Canopy and the World of Oberon: The poem continues with a mention of a canopy under which King Oberon, a figure from folklore, once resided. Here, Keats connects art, imagination, and nature. The canopy serves as a symbol of the creativity that blossoms within the natural world and inspires artists.
6. The Role of Music in Art: Keats introduces music as a powerful form of artistic expression. He describes King Oberon's soft, plaintive melodies that captivated listeners, including the spirits of heaven. This emphasis on music underscores the ability of art, in various forms, to evoke emotions and create a sense of enchantment.
7. Art and Repose: The poem concludes by illustrating how art, in this case, the story of the wreath and the chain, can lead to a sense of peace and repose. The speaker describes how he listens to the tale until its echoes depart, allowing him to sink into restful slumber. This highlights art's capacity to transport individuals to a place of tranquility.

"On Receiving a Curious Shell" by John Keats is a celebration of the beauty and enchantment found in art and imagination. Through rich and descriptive language, Keats invites readers to appreciate the aesthetic value of a simple shell and the transformative power of art to evoke emotion, provide solace, and transport individuals to wondrous realms of creativity.