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Aliens 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: Perhaps the self-same song that found a path Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home, She stood in tears amid the alien…” 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: Perhaps the self-same song that found a path Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home, She stood in tears amid the alien corn; The same that ofttimes hath Charm'd magic casements, opening on the foam Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn.”

John Keats

About This Quote

Source Poem: "Ode to a Nightingale", 1819

The speaker sees the bird as an immortal symbol that outlives human suffering and history, offering a timeless, transcendent song.

In simple terms: The bird lives forever, beyond human pain.

Key Takeaway

Seek timeless beauty beyond fleeting woes.

Themes

immortality transcendence art nature history

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • creative inspiration
  • contemplation
  • loneliness

Key Concepts

symbolism eternity poetic imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does art help us confront mortality?
  • What does the bird represent for you?
A Different Perspective

The bird’s idealized permanence may ignore real mortality.

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