Literature

Since time immemorial, discrimination in terms of race, sexual orientation, age, education, or economic status has been widely observed and practiced in most countries. Indeed, people have the great tendency to isolate and discriminate individuals who belong to minority groups.

Aside from the issues brought by racial discrimination in the different countries, the world is also faced with homosexual discrimination, an issue which has been receiving much controversy as the population of gays in the workplace is alarmingly increasing. It can be observed that the issue on homosexual discrimination is evident in employment opportunities as society is considering whether the homosexual professionals will be given an equal chance as that of the straight men and women when it comes to job offerings and opportunities.

In some companies nowadays, there are a significant number of homosexuals who are competing in the professional workplace. This is in accordance with the belief that the government and private sectors should widely observe and practice the economic autonomy for all the genders and to let them have access to equal opportunities and equal rights (Gottfried  Reese, p. 44). As such, gender inequality and gender insensitivity should not be tolerated in the community. However, the debate on whether the government and private companies should hire gays especially in the office works still persists. For instance, if we will consider the promotion of the gender equality and fairness that most of the activists and feminists are advocating, the companies should not have gender bias on recruiting and hiring personnels who will work in their office. This is indeed beneficial to the people especially to those who belong to what they consider as third sex. While the right of this people to compete for employment or job is highly maintained, the right of these people for the elimination of discrimination and prejudice are as well granted.    

Nevertheless, there are some limitations with regard to the hiring of the members of this group especially in some fields especially the professional field. For instance, many are against the idea of allowing a gay who has undergone sex change or enjoys cross-dressing to become a teacher, a lawyer, or a public servant. It is for certain that moral and ethical concerns will emerge if a cross dresser would be accepted in the teaching profession. The Code of Ethics for Teachers states that the teachers should be a good role model not only in the school but also in the community. But a gay teacher cannot definitely serve as a good model to the students as well as to the people if he is wearing womens clothing, as it is regarded as a deviant behavior that defies the standards set by the community with regard to dress code. Similarly, a gay lawyer in a long gown cannot truly receive due respect from the people in the court room because what he is doing is against the pre-moral standard set in the mind of the people. The same holds true with the president of a certain country who is wearing dresses for an executive meeting. People will not surely agree with this idea as such is not in line with the standards of the community.

It is believed nowadays that in order to attain high success in the business world, traditional management practices should be changed into a more critical and realistic approach that deals with the crucial issue of gender sensitivity (Sastry  Pandey, p. 183). This means that the companies and agencies should strictly observe non-discrimination of the applicants and personnel in order to comply with the promotion of gender equality and sensitivity. However, if they will strictly observe this so-called promotion of equality and fairness in the society, there are some certain rules and code of conducts that they will violate with respect to professionalism and ethics. Likewise, by practicing gender equality, they will also break the norms and traditions set by the people in the society. On the contrary, if they will consider the standards of the society, they will then deprive the gays of their rights on equal treatment in the community. In this light, there are conflicting ideas between the conformity to the societys norm and the promotion of equality and fairness for all members of the society, including the homosexual individuals.

To resolve this issue, many companies now are really sensitive on the type and nature of job that they will offer to the members of the third sex. For instance, gays and bisexuals are often encouraged to pursue a career that will suit their sexual orientation better such as hair styling, dressmaking, fashion, and the like. In this job, issues on morality are less likely to arise as society accepts that these jobs are usually done by homosexuals. The same holds true with the lesbians. They are also advised to choose the best job that will fit their sexual orientation, although their case is not really controversial as that of the homosexuals because they can still do the work of both men and women without discrimination. This is because most of the lesbians are not really controversial whenever they cross-dress. Women can always wear a boyish style of clothing without being tagged as a lesbian. However, in the case of the gays, it is a big issue for the people in the society if they will wear the dresses of the women. This is the very reason why they are not usually hired in jobs that require professionalism and certain moral standards.

Furthermore, homosexuals are prohibited in the professional workplace in order to set a boarder on the issue of morality on the employee and the profession itself. Gays who are engaged to same sex relationships are faced with the dilemma of dignity and credibility (Diamant, p. 134). Homosexuals are also seen to give the impression that they are funny and playful, which negatively affects their credibility. They are not perceived as serious and credible individuals as what people have observed in their everyday language, way of living, type of companions, and the like.

In this manner, there should be careful distinction between the conformity to the set standard in the society and to the abidance to the promotion of gender equality and sensitivity. People should always take into consideration that while conforming to the norms of the society, the rights of the gays should not be deprived. The same holds true with respecting the rights of the third sex while not violating the standards of the society. The government and private sector should be sensitive in recommending and hiring personnel in a particular type and nature of job. The homosexuals should be given jobs that are suited to their inclination so that there would be less discrimination and violation of the norms. In some schools, for instance, open gays and lesbians, especially the cross-dressers, are not allowed to enter courses like teaching so that they would never experience discrimination from the students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders of education. Although this may sound inequality to the part of the gays, this is indeed a great step so that they would not encounter problems in the future. The school will only let them to take the course if they will dress properly or if they will act according to their biological sexuality.

Hence, the issue on the professionalism of gays and bisexual lies on the very hand of every person in the community. Members of the third sex should have the deeper understanding on the issue of morality, equality, and professionalism so that they would know when and how they will put themselves in the professional workplace. The same holds true with the companies and government offices. They should have the in-depth knowledge on the distinction between social norms and equality so that they would have their firm stand on the issue on gays place in the professional world.  

This speech gives much information to the reader especially when considering the underlying feelings in the play Richard II.  Gaunt is an uncle of King Richard II, his brother being Richards father, and the previous king of England.  Gaunt is one of two uncles that still live and try to give their counsel to the young arrogant King.  Richard thinks of them as old dogs and unless they follow him they are unworthy.  This is how he believes and feels, and is the reason for this speech by Gaunt.

The speech begins with a warning from Gaunt in which he is trying to warn Richard about his current actions.  Methinks I am a prophet new inspird,  And thus expiring do foretell (2.1.31-32) sets the tone of the speech, by telling the reader or audience that he is about to give a warning to the King, and that he is only doing this because he can see what is coming if things do not change.  He is also telling this, because he is on his deathbed and it is his last moment to counsel Richard in his erring ways.  This first section uses analogies old sayings about the ways one should act, such as acting to quickly without thinking it through.  In fact within the first nine lines, Gaunt uses seven different adages that are all saying the same thing, slow down and think before you act or your actions will be in vain.

Within the next seventeen lines Gaunt identifies and defines England.  Again using symbolic language, he tells of the majesty of the island.  Initially the speed is giving the basis of the lauding of England
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars
This other Eden, demi-paradise
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war (2.1.40-44).

Calling England the royal throne of kings (2.1.40) or this other Eden (2.1.43) shows the love that Gaunt has for England.  To him, the island is sacred and has been made an island to keep her and her people away from the common and the defiled others of the continent.

After giving the warning to Richard about acting and thinking rashly, then glorifying England, Gaunt tells of how the rashness of Richard will defile England.  He states Dear for her reputation through the world,  Is now leasd out  I die pronouncing it -  Like to a tenement or pelting farm (2.1.58-60). He believes the actions of Richard and his want for war with Ireland is degrading Englands sacredness and defiling the Kings divinity.  Gaunt emphasizes the role of the sea to Englands safety England, bound in with the triumphant sea,  Whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege (2.1.61-62).

Gaunt realizes that he has not gotten through to King Richard II and sadly proclaims at the end of the speech
That England, that was wont to conquer others,
Hath made a shameful conquest of itself,
Ah, would the scandal vanish with my life,
How happy then were my ensuing death (2.1.65-68)

This tells Richard that what he is doing in his quest to conquer Ireland is wrong, not just an act of war, but for the life of England.  This quest is a shameful and indulgent war and is not in the best interest of England.  However from this speech it becomes obvious that Gaunt believes Richards actions are for the interest of the king alone. He even begs gently to let the shame die with him and no more act in the manner by attacking Ireland, but even as he speaks the words, he knows that is not likely.

The entire speech is made up of symbolic adages. Gaunt was trying desperately to teach and counsel King Richard against his arrogance and his interest in Ireland.  Gaunt never once said that the king was wrong, but did through imagery and symbolism show that the actions of the king were wrong.  Unfortunately, it is apparent at the end of the speech that Gaunt knows the King has not taken heed and will still follow his own interests and Gaunt will die knowing the shame of England.

Nausea is a fine exampleof Sartres train of thought. It delves into the profound and difficult questions of reality and existence through the eyes of an ordinary man.

Antoine is a very observant man. He writes very detailed accounts of what he sees and how interprets them based on his experiences and paradigm of thought. That is why, the text comes to the reader as rather boring and plain. The details are so fleshed out in his journals that it gives the reader the same atmosphere and feeling of complete and utter boredom that Antoine feels. Furthermore, it is because of this very observant nature that Antoine falls into despair.

From the start of the journal, we see that most of Antoines life is spent alone.. He frequents cafes where he observes other people, chatting away with their friends about all sorts of stories. Antoine becomes bitter and lonely as he continued to watch these youths happily weave their tales. However, he is frequented by the self-taught man. The self-taught man is always quite eager to ask and bug Antoine about various subjects such as adventures, ideas and opinions. Antoine despises the man for no apparent reason. It would always seem that Antoine is lonely but at the same time, feels boredom and irritation as he meets and converses with others. Anny, however, seems to be an exception to his apparent lack of enthusiasm for others. He holds on to the memories of times so spent with Anny but it does not ease his pain. As he delves deeper into his memories and dissects his encounters and letters to her that Antoine realizes the truth Anny does not love him even though he love her with all his heart.

Anotine is unemployed and spends most of his time writing a book about de Rollebon, a famous politician and alleged assassin of Paul I. Through his pre-occupation, he is able to counter the feeling of loneliness to some extent and alleviate boredom. However, as he continues his work, he starts to question validity of his sources. He notices the fact that some sources draw conclusions from the same facts. As the journal progresses, this questioning of the truth evolves into a question of reality. He becomes even more aloof, bored and despaired by the fact that reality is subjectively defined. The way he sees himself and the way others see him will always be different. The existence of one can be affirmed or denied by another.

Towards the end, Antoine comes to grips with the problem of defining existence. He soon realizes that existence can be defined by ones self. As he reads the paper regarding the raped girl, he understands the existence of this girl is no longer defined by her. Instead, the girl exists as people define that she does exist. In the same way, the street which he walks on or the apartment that he stays in exists not because of the fact that one can detect these objects with the five senses. Rather, these objects exist because Antoine recognizes them to exist. Finally, Antoine starts to feel somewhat at ease.

In summary, Nausea details the various existentialist concepts of Sartre. By using a story, Sartre is able to depict the elusiveness and troublesome nature of truth and existence.

Hamlet, one of William Shakespeare work is no qustion the most renowned play in English medium. The tragedy is a significant stage in the Shakespeares theatrical development. The playwright attained creative and aesthetic problem in this play through his gifted and masterly portrayal of the man of courages endeavour with two conflicting strengths, ethical and behavioural rectitude and the crying out for revenge for his begetters extermination.

Act I, scene 1. After twelve, Barnardo and Marcellus relieved Francisco of his observance. The two fellow men requested Horatio to be on ones feet with them that nocturnal to testify the impression and materialization of the deceased kings phantom. The hallucination become visible and disappears two times however does not manage to utter to the men. The four pronounced to tell Hamlet concerning the event in the following hours. Hamlets friend and the sentinels accounted that ghost usually appears for a purpose. Act II, scene 2. King Claudius reported that inspite of his sorrow for his brothers latest death, he has lay hold Gertrude as wife. While Denmark is in ultimatum of seizure from Fortinbras (the young find to reowned the missing land to Hamlets father), Hamlet simulates insanity with his family and companions, including Ophelia, his beloved (Shakespeare, 1603).

The author used intriguing, symphathetic and annoying tone to fortell the terrifying occurence to follow. Since the characters nature is uncertain, probably the next scenes would be questioning and verifying for the other significant characters motives. However, because of the uncertainty presents by Hamlet, the next to come is quite hard to foreshadow. Shakespeare used his artistic imagination to unfold and then excite his audience for the next scene.

The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was considered the last part of the Stone Age. Neolithic culture started in the Levant (Jericho, modern-day West Bank) about 9500 BCE and flourished in the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys from c. 7000 BC. It developed directly from the Epipaleolithic Natufian culture in the region, whose people established the use of wild cereals, which then evolved into farming. It is regarded as by the use of stone tools, taking care of plants or animals, the establishment of permanent villages, and the tradition of such crafts as pottery and weaving.

During this age, they lived in small tribes consisting of 1502000 members that were composed of multiple bands or lineages. Neolithic pastoralists who controlled large shepherd gradually acquired more livestock, and this made economic inequalities more evident and distinct. Livestock custody allowed rivalry between households and resulted in inherited unfairness of wealth.

Mud brick houses coated with plaster started appearing as a picture of the shelter in this early period. The growth of agriculture made stable houses possible. Doorways were made on the roof, with ladders positioned both on the inside and outside of the houses. Beams from the inside supported the roof of the house and the rough ground was covered by platforms, mats, and skins on which people slept.
In the Neolithic age, most clothing appears to have been made of animal skins. This is indicated by finds of large numbers of bone and antler pins which are ideal for fastening leather, but not cloth. Nonetheless, woolen cloth and linen might have become available during the British Neolithic, as suggested by finds of perforated stones which may have served as spindle whorls or loom weights.

The story of Huck Finn is one of the literary pieces that has become a cornerstone or foundation of American Literature. The book, written by Mark Twain, has become one of the most acknowledge yet controversial classic literatures ever written in the history of world literature. This argument has been emphasized further by a well  known writer, Ernest Hemingway, who argued that majority of the contemporary literatures in American literature has been inspired by the story of Huckleberry Finn (Johnson xi). Another author, Walter Dean Howells has stated that What Twain has given America in Huckleberry Finn is nothing more or less than its first indigenous literary masterpiece(105). This would imply that authors have recognized the important role of the book in the history of American literatures. However, despite its contributions, the book has been criticized, banned and was poorly acknowledged due to certain issues. Contrasting facts, opinions and articles have been read in connection with this literary piece which has triggered the researcher to study further how the book has been considered as a cornerstone of American Literature.

The goal of this research was to address the main thesis of the paper How does the book Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has been considered as a Cornerstone of American Literature In order to prove this thesis statement, the following framework has been used Literary Analysis of the book which would cover the plot summary, the author and issues American Literature in terms of the trends, history and evolution  Huck Finn and the American Literature Discussion of the main thesis based from the literature review and Conclusion.

Literary Analysis of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a book that revolves to the story of Huck, a fourteen year- old boy, who has been seeking for adventure and freedom (Plot Summary of Huckleberry Finn). In the story, it has been narrated that Huck has been kidnapped by his very own father because of the 6000 dollars treasure. His adventures have started from his escape to his father and live alone in the forest near the river to find freedom from his imprisonment and civilization that he has experienced. He came across the people who have been together in search of freedom (Plot Summary of Huckleberry Finn).

Huck and Jim has experience things and circumstances that were not naturally experienced by young boys of their age. Along with the negative experiences that these young boys have experienced, Huck has been able to learn lessons that have improved his personality and attitudes. He was able to develop good character and conscience that made him a better person (Plot Summary of Huckleberry Finn).

This short plot summary of the adventures of Huck in the Mississippi River has shown that the novel was not a typical book for young boys nor can be describe as an innocent and happy tale (Johnson xiii). Taking into consideration the tranquility of the river were most scenes has took place, it could not replace the fact of a brutal world of Huck and Jim which has been described by the following scenes a mistakenly identified drowned person who has been believed as the father of Huck Hucks capability to fake his own murder and drag a dead body in the river Hucks cruelty the murder of Hucks friends and others with his naked eye torture or cruelty done with animals a discovered naked body of a man who has been shot on his back in a shack that has been used by prostitutes and thieves the thieves threatened one of their gang members with pistol in a boat that has drowned them all shooting or killing of a drunk man who was unarmed during the daylight and many more (Johnson xiii). It could be inferred that though the novel has a good ending that shows reformation or change of personality, the negative aspect of the novel has a bigger impact to the readers.

In terms of structure, Johnson has written that the novel lacks unity on its characters, plot and setting. It does not conform to a dramatic structure which most novels follow (2). The novel has many characters, different settings and subplots on which the actions has become randomly episodic. The episodes which have been presented randomly were held together or tied together by Huckleberry Finn as the narrator and the Mississippi river (2). This implies that the novel has poor but unique structure of plot which has been new in American Literature.

The uniqueness in the style of plot structure has been traced by Johnson who has stated that Mark Twain, the author, has his own ways of putting together the various stories a repudiation of traditional forms of plot structure, the rules and manners of genteel society, and the restraints civilization places upon the free spirit (1). This could be seen in the tight dispensing of the episodic narrative in the form derived from nature the Mississippi River (1).

Henry Nash Smith in his book Mark Twain The Development of a Writer, states that the struggles or difficulties encountered by Mark Twain as a writer has emerged from the conflict between the gentility cult (the dominant culture during his time) and the evolving attitudes of the Americans rooted to the developing vernacular language. This conflict has

been traced from Twains individual works that has resulted to his problems on structure and style in writing. Furthermore, it has been argued that his progress as a writer was an interplay of dialects on which his imaginations has brought strain or problems in his innovations or creativeness, resources and technical method (Champion 61). This would imply that the author of the book, though successful in tying up its several episodes in unusual plot in the form of river, has his own struggle that has been apparent in his style of writing.

Huckleberry Finn has been condemned by reviewers of the book because it has been seen as an immoral that should not be read by young boys. The issues of immorality has been rooted on the attitude or behavior that has been portrayed by Huck for his smoking, repeated lying, stealing, no interest of going to school and church, drunkenness, atrocious grammar, joining unauthorized associations or gangs in the society and many more (Johnson xii). This would imply that the book has been banned and considered as a poison to young boys minds has been based on the attitudes portrait by the main character. These are attitudes that have not to be followed and not a good influence to the developing minds of youth because of its nature. This was the primary reason why the group of Concord Library Committee (The Concord Library Committees Banning of Huckleberry Finn 6, Mark Twains Last Book Excluded from a Public Library, 1).

Immoral, irreligious, obsolete, inaccurate, racist, mindless, and etc, these were only some of the words that the critics of the novel have used in describing it (Leonard et al 2). However, to an extent the book has tackled social issues that has been happening or experience during this time. This argument has been supported by Barbara Jackson who has emphasized that the story of Huck Finn has shown the dilemmas or problems in American society. These dilemmas were related to issues on the language use, race, labeling and hypocrisy during the 19th century (63). In fact, the novel has been a subject of debate for decades.
Thus, the book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has been both controversial, banned and was poorly recognized because it has touched social issues that has arise during this period in the American society. Despite these critics, the novel still has been recognized as a cornerstone in American Literature.

Huck Finn and American Literature
George Garza has stated that Mark Twains Adventure of Huckleberry Finn has been considered as one of the best written literary piece in the Great American Novel. It has been considered as the first American novel that has used ordinary speech, first person and vernacular or dialects. This has been supported by Johnson which states that the book was considered the first true American novel. This has been claimed not because the novel was the first to have an American setting nor the very first American novel. This has become the big question Why does it have become the first truly American Novel

There are many factors that could lead to the answer of this question. One could be the language used in the novel. Mark Twain was the first American writer who has used vernacular language in his novel. The language as vernacular or natural language that has been spoken by Americans is different from a literary language that has been used by majority of the writers. The used of such language is a representation of the various dialects from differing races, classes, cultures, etc (Jordan 5).

This would imply that the book conveys universal meaning. Furthermore, the author has expressed clearly that the novel was uniquely American in nature. This is one of the major contributions of the novel in American Literature a shift from a literary language to a vernacular language that has touch the dialects spoken by Americans that came from differing classes, races and cultures. This has happen despite the fact that during this period, the use of such language was not allowed. It was during this era that sameness of language or the uniformity of language contributes to the political harmony (Webster 1920).

Another interesting point that has to be considered was the main setting of the novel the Mississippi River. During the period of the novel, the river has become the boundary of society were in slavery, feuding, gambling, outlaws and many more happens. The river, situated at the heart of America, has become the symbol of tranquility and freedom for the main characters in the novel. The river has reflected the bad or negative situations and the slavery from the southward coast of America. This implies that the used of the river was to manifest the quest for freedom and peace of mind amidst the negative circumstances in the American society during the 19th century.

The themes racism, slavery, intellectual and moral education and the hypocrisy of civilized society have something to do with American Literature. It is trough history or experiences that literature evolved. It would be necessary to look back to the history of America during the time of Mark Twain since this would give a holistic and objective interpretation of his book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Mark Twain, the author, has lived during the period that racism and slavery has been a long time problem and illness of American society. Racism has been defined as an act of prejudice or animosity to people who belong to other race (Racism). The novel was considered a racist book as being emphasized in the person of Jim. In the American society, during the period that the novel was written, racism has made the black men and women slaves (Barksdale 49).

This would imply that the issue of racism towards the novel was based from the real situations that have happened in the history of American nations. It has become the mirror of the cruelty done to the black man and woman because of racism. Jims quest for freedom would mean a journey towards equality, a journey towards freedom from racism and slavery. Barksdale has emphasized that the set point of the novel has been traced during the slavery - time Missouri which has been considered a slave state.

This would explain the authors theme of slavery on the novel which has been very apparent for those who have chosen to leave across the tunnels (e.g Mississippi River) (49). The negative attitudes lost of conduct or good moral characters as portrayed to the story was a result or effect of the slave society.

Thus, it can be inferred that the story or the novel itself has become a major contribution to the development of American Literature. It has holistic and unique presentation of the history of American society during the slavery time. Furthermore, the quest for freedom has represented the hearts and thoughts of every American citizen who had dream equality, peace and unity.

Discussion
The character of Huck Finn symbolized as a metaphor for young Americans. Although Huck stays with Jim, he sees Jim as a slave and not as human. Other Americans as well recognize the inhumane character of Jim as a slave, only the difference between slaves and other walk of life, the skin color, culture, and other aspect that would describe people from other people. Through the friendship that has been built, Huck was able to recognize Jims human perspective. Huck has his own mind being a grown up and manage to help Jim to escape his slavery. The character of Huck evolves into a better human by seeing the humanity that his friend is going through (Garza).

What could have been the contributions of the novel have rooted from the authors uniqueness in his style of writing and experiences in his society. Barksdale has indicated that the reasoning or purpose of the Mark Twains literary pieces when he had written the novel Adventures of the Huckleberry Finn was to show the psychological impact of the social issues in American Society (Barksdale 53). Furthermore, it has been stated that with the preexisting condition, Civil War in America, the novel was an attempt of the author to show the possibilities of developing ironic or impossible friendship between a black man and white man (Barksdale 54). Thus, it can be drawn that the novel was an attempt of the author to ironically present the racism that has been slaving the black man (Wall 209).

Conclusion
Based from the discussion and review of related literature of Mark Twains Adventure of Huckleberry Finn, the following conclusions were made

The novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has played significant role in the American Literature because it was an ironic representation of the American society during this period.

The novel was written as an attempt to discuss the social issues of racism, slavery, need for education and freedom of the people.

The brutality of the world that has been manifested in the novel has mirrored the severity and the psychological impact of these social issues to the life of the people.

The novel has been condemned due to the use of its language that does not conform to the uniformity of the political factors. This would indicate the fact that vernacular words used in the novel was a hindrance to the uniformity of politics.

John Keats in Ode on a Grecian Urn seems to both celebrate and to lament the human minds capacity to envision beauty in an existence that is inevitable temporary.  The beauty represented by the urn is permanent whereas the beauty the observers mind is able to comprehend is more temporary and will fade as the human mind turns its attention to other duties, ages, and dies with the body.  In this way, the urn and its art symbolize a type of transcendental beauty which the human mind is capable of grasping intermittently but a beauty which can only be immortalized in art.   Human beings therefore can be immortalized in the form of artistic productions in ways that transcend human existence.  Art is an ideal expression of human aspirations and human longings.

In the first stanza, for example, the urns admirer seems marvelously transfixed on the etchings or pictures.  More than anything, this stanza is very much akin to a quest in which the observer longs to know and to understand who these pictures are about and what they might mean.  More than any other stanza, this one is tightly organized around questions rather than mere observations or extrapolations.  The observer queries about place, for instance, when states In Tempe or the dales of Arcady (Keats 7), about character when he states What men or gods are these What maidens loth (Keats 8), and about motive and plot when he states What mad pursuit What struggle to escape (Keats 9).  There is a beauty, indicated by word choice such as flowery and sweetly, that the observer is trying to understand and this beauty is fixed in time as is implied both by the existence of the pictures on an inanimate urn and by the poets reference to slow time (Keats 2).  The poet thus frames this poem in terms of a wondrous quest, of beautiful people and places, and of a beauty that is not constrained so much by the passage of time.

In the second and third stanzas the poet celebrates art as a type of permanent beauty and seems to place the ability to grasp this beauty firmly in the powers of the human mind rather than in the physical world.  This separation of mind and body is made explicitly when the poet writes that Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard (Keats 11) and Not to the sensual ear, but, more endeard (Keats 13).  The beauty, in effect, cannot be discerned through the sense of sound and must be perceived and processed by the mind alone.  This is a profound thought as it implies some connection between the human mind and the beauty represented by the pictures on the urn.  The observer therefore hears the sounds of the pipe with his mind rather than with his ears.  History is as a result made permanent and the people and the activities on the urn are thereby immortalized.  This notion of immortality is reinforced when the poet subsequently writes that For ever piping songs for ever new (Keats 24).  This ever new language expresses that the sounds of the pipes heard in the human mind persist despite the passage of time and they are forever fixed in time.  The first three stanzas, in sum, accomplish a merging of art and the human mind that transcend time, the physical body, and the inevitability of death.

The final two stanzas, attempting to tie this merging of art and mind together, are used to express the observers desire for the art to be more accessible and for the art to be recognized as a human manifestation of the greatest beauties and the highest truths.  In terms of accessibility, for example, the poet writes Why thou art desolate, can eer return (Keats 40).  The notion of a desolate art unable to return seems a plea for human beings to embrace art, to understand art through the mind, and to avoid treating it as an irrelevant relic of ancient times.  The poet then attempts to equate the beauty of art with the highest truths by stating that Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought (Keats 44) and Beauty is truth, truth beauty,--that is all (Keats 49).  The purpose of art is to illustrate human ideals and these ideals are known by the mind rather than mundane forms of transient thought constrained by the pressures of quickly passing time.  In conclusion, Keats seems to be celebrating the power of the human mind to transcend the physical world and to be proposing artistic endeavors as one means for accomplishing this type of transcendental intellectual state.