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In this excerpt from "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats, which parts reflect the theme that art is immortal?

[Heard melodies are sweet], but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, [ye soft pipes, play on];
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear'd,
[Pipe to the spirit ditties] of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
Thy song, [nor ever can those trees be bare];
Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though [winning near the goal ]yet, [do not grieve];
[She cannot fade], though[ thou hast not thy bliss],
[For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!]
Plato help!

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The excerpt from "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats reflects the theme that art is immortal through descriptions of the immortality of melodies, trees, and love depicted on the urn.

Step-by-step explanation:

The parts of the excerpt from "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats that reflect the theme that art is immortal are:

  1. "Heard melodies are sweet" - This line suggests that the art of music is enjoyed by the senses and has a pleasant effect on the listener. It implies that even though melodies that are heard are enjoyable, the unheard melodies are even sweeter and therefore immortal.
  2. "Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare" - This line suggests that the trees and the youth in the art depicted on the urn will always remain as they are, and their beauty will never fade. This reflects the idea that art captures a moment and preserves it, allowing it to exist eternally.
  3. "She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss" - This line suggests that the beauty and love depicted in the art on the urn will never fade, even though the lover may not experience the fulfillment of their desires. It conveys the idea that art has the power to immortalize beauty and emotions.

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