Summary

The speaker considers wizened old scholars who study romantic, passionate poetry. These men are arrogant and critique the work of young poets; they become so entrenched in their studies that it becomes their entire identity. This identity is not unique, but rather is a constant across literary scholars, making them all seem like one person. The speaker considers what they would say if they knew their subjects personally, who were so different and so much more alive.

Analysis

The poem begins by addressing the eponymous scholars of the title with a synecdoche: “Bald heads forgetful of their sins” (Line 1). In this instance, the “Bald heads” represent the greater whole of the men; however, the emphasis on the heads suggests that these men live entirely in their minds, approaching life through cognitive intellect and not through the sensations of the body. This idea is enhanced...