John Keats: Romantic Era Poet

John Keats: Overview

• John Keats (1795-1821) was a notable English Romantic poet, part of the second generation alongside Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
• His poetry is characterized by vivid imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical exploration through classical legends.
• Reputation surged posthumously, gaining admiration during the Victorian Age and influencing poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Early Life and Education

• Born to a stable manager, Keats had limited formal education and faced family loss early, with his father's death in 1804.
• Grew up with a close bond to his sister Fanny and brothers George and Tom, living with their grandmother in Middlesex.
• Attended Enfield school, noted for his aggressive demeanor, and developed a passion for reading around 1809.

Medical Training and Transition to Poetry

• Trained as a surgeon in 1811 but abandoned the career in 1814 to pursue a literary path in London.
• Worked as a dresser at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospitals before fully committing to poetry by 1817.
• Keats's life post-1817 closely mirrored his poetic output, illustrating the deep connection between his experiences and his work.

Major Works and Contributions

• Authored sonnets, odes, and epics, with a prolific creative output in 1819.
• Key works from 1819 include "Lamia," "The Eve of St. Agnes," and notable odes: "To a Nightingale," "On Melancholy," and "To Autumn."
• Produced two unfinished versions of an epic titled "Hyperion."
• Keats is celebrated for his ability to collect, organize, and convey sensory experiences, enriching literature with his observations and aesthetics.