Elgin Marbles

Much like “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” Keats is reflecting on his mortality compared to that of art, which has the ability to live on. The speaker is acknowledging that the Gods depicted have become immortal not only through art, but because their stories have been passed down through the generations. Keats is the opposite, however. He says he is a “sick eagle,” indicating that he does not have the freedom to carry on his life, but is prisoned to death and its decaying process. The only “gentle luxury” he finds in this is that he can “weep.” I was a little confused about this line. I was not sure if he was suggesting that he is happy to view the statues because of their ability to produce such strong emotions, or if he was saying that the only thing he is not jealous of in regards to the statues is that Keats can feel and experience the emotional spectrum of life. While it’s great to be immortal, is it great to be stone and not feel?