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Question 1
Quick RecallWhy does the poet's heart ache at the beginning of the poem?
The poet's heart aches not because of sadness or jealousy, but because he is overwhelmed by the intense happiness he feels while listening to the nightingale. He describes a 'drowsy numbness' that feels like he has been poisoned or drugged. This state is a result of being 'too happy' in the bird's song. It shows how extreme beauty can sometimes become painful for a human to process, as it reminds the individual of their own limited and often sorrowful existence compared to the bird’s carefree joy.