Everyone has dreams and hopes for their future. The speaker of "Ode on Indolence" is a poet, and poets usually want others to read their work. They may also want fame and fortune, or at least a good deal of respect. But these ambitions are no match for the pleasures of being lazy and enjoying a nice day—at least, according to the poem. The speaker decides to pursue relaxation over his dreams, but that doesn't mean he isn't tempted by them. Aren't we all?
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- What's Ambition's role in this poem and how is it characterized?
- What Poesy's characterization say about the speaker's talents and dreams?
- What is Keats trying to say about the nature of dreams and hopes? Does this only apply to poets? Why or why not?
- How does idleness affect the speaker's plans for the future? Will his dreams and hopes intrude on this plan?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
This poem shows us that ambition is less respectable than love or poetry.
Poetry tempts and torments the speaker more than the other two because it is his dream to be a successful poet.