Sonnet #3

Erin Conley
Mrs. Jernigan
English AP Lit
28 February 2011
Sonnet #3
John Keats utilizes the Shakespearean sonnet format to emphasize the development of his poem “Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art” from admiration to infatuation. The imagery of the poem traces the poet's affections and grows in intimacy in every stanza.
The first section uses religious diction, referring to her “steadfast” nature of being an “Eremite” with the “priestlike task.” These words show that he admires her consistency and dedication to her religion and he desires her to stay this way. Her beauty is accentuated through her religious views to him and he is praising her for it.
The second part moves into nature imagery where he once again describes her steadfast and admirable despite the changes in the “shores” and the “snow.” He is declaring that although the world around her is constantly changing, she is dependable and he is so thankful for that.
In the last quatrain, he reveals a more personal side to their relationship, which finally proves the images and diction he used in earlier stanzas to lead the reader to this point, that they will forever be lovers. He declares twice that they he will stay with her “for ever” and he shows that he is dedicated to her like she is to him.
Keats purposefully chose this set-up, I believe, to trace the progression of his thoughts of his lover to bring it to the climactic end and to prove his love for this woman.