John Keats

Description: (English Romantic Lyric Poet)

‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know’ is one of the famous lines of the sonnet, ‘Ode to a Grecian Urn’, which discreetly depicts the greatness and grandeur of John Keats, one of the most influential figures of the second generation of Romantic poets. Such is the contribution of this greatly endowed poet that no discussion on Romantic English poets can be complete without the mention of him. Living up to only 25 years of age, John Keats nevertheless made a mark in the literary circle with his outstanding sense of verse, style and poetry by large. Such has been his influence that he has been compared to the likes of Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, despite writing poetry seriously for just about six years and coming up with only four publications in his lifetime. His poetic apprenticeship and maturity in writing in such a short duration is one of the remarkable aspects of Keats's work. Today, Keats is one of the most studied and admired British poets. However, back in the early 19th century, when Keats was alive, his work was mostly criticized and not well received. It was only posthumously that Keats creative outbursts appealed to people which saw a vertical growth in his reputation. He was said to possess innate poetic sensibilities which assisted him in bringing forth sensual imagery to his work, that expressed a philosophy through classical legend. Over the years, the works of Keats have influenced many prolific poets and writers of the 19th and the 20th century.

Overview

Birthday October 31, 1795 (Scorpio)
City London, England
Died on February 23, 1821
Parents Thomas
Frances Jennings Keats
Relatives Frances Mary, George (1797–1841), Thomas (1799–1818)

Did you know

What is the significance of John Keats in English literature? John Keats is renowned for his Romantic poetry, characterized by vivid imagery, sensuous language, and exploration of themes such as nature, beauty, and mortality. His works have had a lasting impact on English literature and continue to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike.
How did John Keats contribute to the Romantic movement? John Keats played a significant role in the Romantic movement through his poetry, which emphasized emotion, imagination, and the beauty of nature. His works, such as "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Ode on a Grecian Urn," exemplify the themes and style of Romanticism.
What are some of John Keats's most famous poems? Some of John Keats's most famous poems include "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," "To Autumn," "La Belle Dame Sans Merci," and "Bright Star." These poems are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and exploration of timeless themes.
How did John Keats's early life influence his poetry? John Keats's early life, marked by personal loss, illness, and financial struggles, deeply influenced his poetry. These experiences gave Keats a profound understanding of suffering, mortality, and the transient nature of life, which are recurring themes in his works.
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