Question

What is the theme of Keats's poem, "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be"? Explain your response. Your answer should be at least one hundred words.

Answer 1

The theme of "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" is that the idea of being alone and without love can be scary, but people should not let it consume them. In the beginning of the poem, the speaker discusses how he or she could be entirely consumed by his or her fears. The speaker goes on to give examples of experiencing things that are beautiful or romantic, and fearing that he or she will never find a love to experience them with. The poem concludes on a lighter note, as the speaker reflects, and realizes that love and fame are not the most important things in life. 

Answer 2

Answer:

The theme of "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" is that the idea of being alone and without love can be scary, but people should not let it consume them. In the beginning of the poem, the speaker discusses how he or she could be entirely consumed by his or her fears. The speaker goes on to give examples of experiencing things that are beautiful or romantic, and fearing that he or she will never find a love to experience them with. The poem concludes on a lighter note, as the speaker reflects, and realizes that love and fame are not the most important things in life. This is important for me to know to be able to discuss the statement Keats makes about death in his poem. I can relate this to my own life because I am working on not always being consumed by fear. Everyday is a new opportunity, every time we wake up it is a chance to be happy and make something good. You cannot life your life in constant fear of what could possibly happen or what bad things could happen. You cannot let fear consume you and change your life for the worst.  If you live your life in constant fear are you really even living? This is what Keats talks about in his poem. You cannot be scared to be alone or to not be loved. You especially cannot be scared of death because this is not how you really live. You have to let those fears go so you can live the time you have more happily and freely.

Explanation: