Essay Questions

What is the meaning of the title “Bright Star”?

The title of the movie is a reference to John Keats’s poem of the same name. He dedicated the poem to Fanny, his love. The character of Fanny in the movie is one that corresponds to the title. She is outgoing, extroverted and stands out from the rest, just like a bright star. At the end of the movie, Fanny is seen walking the paths she walked together with John reciting the poem.

What is the relationship between John Keats and Charles Brown like?

John Keats and Charles Brown in the movie are best friends and partners in writing. They help each other when it comes to brooding and thinking about poetry. Charles seems to be a bit possessive over John. He dislikes Fanny and is immediately against their relationship, which doesn’t change until the very end, arguing that she distracts him from writing. At the end of the movie, Charles fails John as a friend. He didn’t help him when he needed him the most because he impregnated the maid of the house. Announcing the grim news of John’s passing to the Brawne family, he finally admits to his wrongness and failure to Fanny.

How does the phrase “opposites attract” correlate with the characters of Fanny and John?

Fanny and John fit into the stereotype of the phrase “opposites attract”. Fanny is an extroverted, outgoing person who knows what she wants while John is introverted, shy and seemingly lacks the determination needed to make him successful. He reveals to her that he is attracted to her and doesn’t know why, further strengthening this argument. Fanny lets people know her thoughts and emotions while John is more reserved and quiet character.