John Keats

John Keats by William Hilton

John Keats (31 October 1795 – 23 February 1821) was an English Romantic poet whose work is characterized by his vivid imagery and great sensory appeal. Considered one of the greatest poets in the English language, Keats' reputation grew after his death to eventually become one of the most beloved of all English poets.

Early Life

John Keats was born in Moorgate, London, on 31 October 1795, the eldest of Thomas and Frances Jennings Keats's four children. Although he died at the age of 25, Keats had perhaps the most remarkable career of any English poet. He published only fifty-four poems, in three slim volumes and a few magazines. But over his short development, he took on the challenges of a wide range of poetic forms from the sonnet, to the Spenserian romance, to the Miltonic epic, defining a sense of richness and depth in his work that would influence generations of poets.

Literary Career

Keats's first volume of poems, published in 1817, demonstrated his belief in the "poetry of imagination" and the importance of sensory experience; it was not received well by critics. His most productive period began in 1818. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous works, including "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," "Ode to Psyche," and "To Autumn." These odes, which explore themes of beauty, art, joy, and mortality, are considered some of the pinnacle works of Romantic poetry.

Despite his growing excellence in poetry, Keats's life was marred by financial difficulties and severe health problems. He suffered from tuberculosis, which was a common cause of death at that time. His illness was aggravated by the harsh critiques of his work and by the death of his brother, Tom, from the same disease.

Relationship with Fanny Brawne

One of the most significant personal relationships in Keats's short life was with Fanny Brawne, to whom he became engaged. Their love affair, though deeply passionate, was cut short by Keats's worsening health. The letters they exchanged remain among the most famous love letters in the English language.

Death and Legacy

Keats moved to Rome in 1820, hoping the warmer climate would improve his health. However, he died there on 23 February 1821, at the age of 25. He was buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. His gravestone bears the epitaph he requested, "Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water," reflecting his despair at not having made a mark on the world. However, contrary to his fears, Keats's work has endured and thrived.

In the years following his death, Keats's poetry came to be celebrated for its technical and emotional depth. His influence is seen in the works of many later poets, including the Pre-Raphaelites and the Aesthetes. Today, Keats is considered a key figure in the Romantic movement and one of the most studied and admired of English poets.

Themes and Style

Keats's poetry is known for its sensual imagery and philosophical depth. His work explores themes such as the transient nature of beauty and joy, the relationship between art and life, and the quest for eternal truths. He was a master of the sonnet and the ode, forms that allowed him to express complex ideas and emotions with precision and beauty.

See Also

• Romantic poetry
• Ode to a Nightingale
• Ode on a Grecian Urn
• To Autumn