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Ancient Quote by John Keats

“Thou wast not born for death, immortal bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown.” quote by John Keats
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“Thou wast not born for death, immortal bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown.”

John Keats

About This Quote

The poem asserts an eternal, unvanquished spirit that transcends mortality and the relentless march of generations.

In simple terms: Eternal spirit defies death.

Key Takeaway

Immortality persists beyond time.

Themes

mortality eternity legacy transcendence history

Mood

awe contemplation melancholy

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • reflecting on personal legacy
  • studying literary motifs
  • contemplating historical cycles
  • examining artistic permanence

Key Concepts

impermanence human continuity symbolic bird

Practical Applications

  • literary analysis
  • philosophical discourse

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the notion of an 'immortal bird' shape our view of legacy?
  • What does the poem suggest about the relationship between past and present?
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