Meaning: John Keats, a renowned English poet of the Romantic era, once expressed his views on poetry, stating, "Poetry should surprise by a fine excess and not by singularity, it should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance." In this quote, Keats encapsulates the essence of poetry as a form of artistic expression that transcends mere words and reaches the deepest recesses of the human experience.

Keats' assertion that poetry should surprise by a "fine excess" rather than singularity underscores the idea that poetry should evoke a sense of abundance and richness in its expression. Instead of relying on mere novelty or uniqueness, poetry should aim to overwhelm the reader with its depth, emotional resonance, and profound insights. By doing so, it can leave a lasting impression and resonate with the reader on a profound level. Keats believed that poetry, at its best, should not merely be a clever arrangement of words, but rather a conduit for the reader to connect with their own innermost thoughts and feelings.

Furthermore, Keats suggests that poetry should "strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts." This notion emphasizes the idea that poetry has the power to articulate and give voice to the unspoken emotions and thoughts that lie dormant within each individual. It should resonate with the reader in such a way that they recognize themselves in the words of the poet, as if the poem is a reflection of their own innermost thoughts and feelings. This ability of poetry to evoke a sense of familiarity and recognition is what makes it a powerful and transformative medium of artistic expression.

Keats' assertion that poetry should "appear almost a remembrance" adds another layer of complexity to his understanding of the art form. By suggesting that poetry should appear as a "remembrance," Keats implies that it should tap into a collective memory or a shared human experience. It should evoke a sense of timelessness and universality, resonating with readers across different cultures and epochs. In this way, poetry becomes a bridge that connects individuals through the shared emotions, experiences, and truths that transcend the boundaries of time and space.

In conclusion, John Keats' quote encapsulates the transformative power of poetry as a form of artistic expression. His emphasis on the ability of poetry to surprise through its richness, resonate with the reader's innermost thoughts, and evoke a sense of collective remembrance underscores the profound impact that poetry can have on individuals and societies. Keats' perspective offers valuable insights into the enduring relevance and significance of poetry as a timeless and universal art form.