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About this quote

What does it mean?
The Quarterly claims responsibility for killing John Keats, describing itself as savage and tartar.
In plain terms
The Quarterly says it killed Keats, boasting savagery.
What can you take from it?
Literary criticism can feel like a personal attack.

Where it applies

  • literary analysis
  • media criticism
  • artistic reception

Putting it to work

  • read criticism critically
  • separate art from critic

Questions to consider

  • How do you react to harsh criticism?
  • When does critique become destructive?

Another view

The claim is metaphorical, not literal.

More from Lord Byron

  1. Because He is all-powerful, must all-good, too, follow? I judge but by the fruits-and they are bitter- Which I must feed on for a fault not mine.

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. He seems To have seen better days, as who has not Who has seen yesterday?

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Send me no more reviews of any kind. - I will read no more of evil or good in that line. - Walter Scott has not read a review of himself for thirteen years.

    Permalink to quote #36

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