A Poetic Exploration of Death Aesthetics

Abstract

This paper inquiry delves into the representation of death’s aesthetics within John Keats’ renowned composition “Ode to a Nightingale”, originating in the 19th century, and Wystan Hugh Auden’s poignant masterpiece, “Echo of Death”, which emerged in the 20th century. By approaching this exploration from three distinct vantage points, namely the “imagery of death”, “poetic wisdom”, and the profound “Dionysian spirit”. The author meticulously dis-sects the poetic creations of both visionaries. The primary objective is to un-ravel the inherent profundity of death and its intricate aesthetic implications as conveyed through their remarkable verses. In light of the extensive research conducted, it becomes evident that these gifted poets seamlessly merged the contemplation of mortality with their poetic expressions, thereby embarking upon a metaphysical exploration of life’s enigmatic facets. The in-tertwining of their reverence for death with an ardent cherishment of life imparts a transcendent solace, ultimately giving rise to an intricate interplay between aesthetic tension and the fusion of eternal existence with the realm of nothingness.