The "quest" genre has an enduring quality. In its various forms it has maintained it value and popularity throughout literary history.
Discuss this statement with reference to TWO texts studied this year- one pre-1900 and one twentieth century.
Defined as a "search or pursuit made in order to secure an object or achieve a goal", quests have provided the foundations for many texts produced throughout history. Two main texts that share the enduring quality that still makes them popular today are "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats, a pre-1900 text, and "Harry Potter" byJ.K.Rowling, a twentieth century text.
"Ode on a Grecian Urn" is a quintessential example of a text relating to the "quest" genre. This poem was written by John Keats, a prominent poet during the time between 1750 and 1850- the period of "Romanticism". This era of rebellion from authors around the world was a reaction to and rebellion against rationalism and the age of reason, the time which preceded this revolution. The authors of this time felt the need to break away from the formality and intellectuality of the art in this period, and also the malice caused by industrialisation. During the industrialisation age, focus was on city life, materialism, poverty and oppression. Romanticists challenged responders to appreciate the power of imagination and the importance of subjectivism, emotionalism and individualism. These poets yearned for a deep and genuine love of nature and a simple life.
Truth and beauty are two of the noblest and most nebulous causes found in history. The search to define these terms is evident in "Ode on a Grecian Urn". In the poem, Keats praises the essential qualities of art and he sees them as vehicles for truth and beauty. He believes art is expressive, enduring and constant. Art has the ability to provoke thought and invoke the senses of ones mind and in his poem, Keats has attempted to rouse the feelings of the responder.