Bright Star, Choose Something Like a Star

The poem Choose Something Like a Star contains an allusion to a previously written poem by John Keats called Bright Star. Through their styles of writing differ, the poems share common themes.

Both poems are similar in that they spark the human fascination in the celestial word, which intertwines with life and meaning on Earth. In Keats’ poem, the speaker is talking to a star, wishing it was “steadfast” like it. The speaker’s main agenda is to make sure to never change like the star. This idea is manifested through the fact that he never wants to leave lying on his beloved’s bosom. The first poem also seems to have a bit of religious undertones and themes, as indicated by lines (5-6),  The moving waters at their priestlike task Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores”. The statement itself symbolizes the idea of nature cleansing humanity from sin, just like a priest would.

In the poem Choose Something Like a Star by Robert Frost, the star can be characterized as an outlet of belief and dependence. The speaker begs the star to talk to him, and be his trusty confidant. However the star seems to lack any legitimate passion or answer. Likewise, this poem seems to seem to be reflective of the religious idea of going to God for answers and meaning. The speaker is the obvious symbol of humanity, and how we often go to a higher power to reassure ourselves and guide us in decision making. However, because the star only answers simply, “I burn”, questions its overall knowledge and certification to even be worthy in the process of serving as a guide for others.