Student Question
How does the sun conspire with autumn in "To Autumn"?
Quick answer:
In "To Autumn," the sun conspires with autumn to create the season's natural beauty. As a "mature" sun, it has spent prior seasons preparing the earth for a rich harvest. This partnership results in vines heavy with fruit, trees burdened with ripe apples, and sweetened hazelnuts, while bees are lulled into believing the warmth is perpetual. The imagery evokes a vibrant display of autumn's colors, showcasing nature's bounty through their collaboration.
Autumn and the sun conspire together to produce the beauty in nature that is found in early autumn. This is the "mature" sun, which has spent two seasons already ripening the earth for a bountiful harvest. Through its work, vines become loaded with fruit. Trees bend under the weight of perfectly ripened apples. Fruit ripens to a decadent taste. Gourds, which could include pumpkins (often a symbolic representation of autumn itself), swell, and hazel nuts are sweetened. Bees are swept into believing that the warmth will never cease as autumn and the sun conspire together to produce blooms found only during this season.
The effect is a magnificent display of imagery that is resplendent in the colors and sights of autumn. This natural beauty is only possible, according to Keats, thanks to the way a mature sun works in conjunction with this season, the two being partners in the artwork of autumn.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.