John Keats

Early Life and Education

John Keats was born on October 31, 1795, in Moorgate, London, England. He was the eldest of four surviving children born to Thomas Keats, a stable keeper, and Frances Jennings Keats. Keats's early life was marked by tragedy; his father died in a riding accident in 1804, and his mother succumbed to tuberculosis in 1810. These early losses deeply affected Keats and influenced his later works.

Keats attended the Clarke School in Enfield, where he developed a love for literature and poetry. His headmaster, John Clarke, recognized his potential and encouraged his literary pursuits. After leaving school in 1811, Keats was apprenticed to Thomas Hammond, a surgeon and apothecary in Edmonton. Despite his medical training, Keats's passion for poetry continued to grow.

Literary Career

Early Works

Keats's first published poem, "O Solitude," appeared in the Examiner in 1816. Encouraged by this success, he decided to pursue a career in poetry. In 1817, he published his first volume of poetry, "Poems," which included works such as "Sleep and Poetry" and "I stood tip-toe upon a little hill." Although the collection received mixed reviews, it marked the beginning of Keats's serious engagement with the literary world.

Major Works

In 1818, Keats published "Endymion," a lengthy narrative poem based on the Greek myth of the same name. The poem, which begins with the famous line "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," explores themes of beauty, love, and the pursuit of ideal happiness. Despite its ambitious scope, "Endymion" was met with harsh criticism, particularly from the conservative literary establishment.

Undeterred by the negative reviews, Keats continued to write prolifically. Between 1818 and 1819, he produced some of his most celebrated works, including the odes "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," and "To Autumn." These poems are characterized by their rich imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of complex themes such as mortality, beauty, and the passage of time.

Later Works and Letters

In addition to his poetry, Keats was also a prolific letter writer. His letters to friends and family provide valuable insights into his thoughts on poetry, philosophy, and his personal struggles. The letters are often considered as important as his poetry for understanding his literary development and the Romantic movement.

Keats's later works include the unfinished epic "Hyperion," which draws on Greek mythology to explore themes of loss and transformation. Although he abandoned the poem, it remains a significant part of his oeuvre and showcases his evolving style and thematic concerns.

Personal Life and Relationships

Keats's personal life was marked by intense relationships and emotional turmoil. In 1818, he met Fanny Brawne, with whom he fell deeply in love. Their relationship was passionate but fraught with difficulties, including Keats's deteriorating health and financial struggles. The letters he wrote to Brawne reveal his deep affection and the anguish he felt due to their separation.

Keats was also close to several prominent literary figures of his time, including Shelley and Byron. His friendships with these poets influenced his work and provided him with a supportive literary community.

Health and Decline

Keats's health began to decline in 1819, and he showed symptoms of tuberculosis, the same disease that had claimed his mother and brother. Despite his worsening condition, he continued to write and revise his poetry. In 1820, his health deteriorated further, and he was advised to move to a warmer climate.

In September 1820, Keats traveled to Rome with his friend Joseph Severn, hoping that the milder weather would improve his condition. However, his health continued to decline, and he died on February 23, 1821, at the age of 25. He was buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome, where his tombstone bears the epitaph he had chosen: "Here lies One whose Name was writ in Water."

Legacy

John Keats's contribution to English literature is immense, despite his short life and limited output. His works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, emotional intensity, and philosophical depth. Keats's exploration of themes such as beauty, mortality, and the sublime has left a lasting impact on the Romantic movement and subsequent literary traditions.

Keats's influence extends beyond poetry; his letters and critical essays have also been highly regarded for their insights into the nature of poetry and the creative process. His concept of "negative capability," the ability to accept uncertainty and ambiguity, has been particularly influential in literary theory and criticism.

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