Monday, August 12, 2019
Biography of John Keats:
John Keats (1795–1821) was an English Romantic poet whose work is characterized by sensuous language, vivid imagery, and a deep exploration of emotions. Despite a short life marked by financial struggles and personal challenges, Keats left an enduring legacy in English literature.
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| Biography of John Keats |
Here is a brief biography of John Keats:
Early Life of John Keats:
1. Birth: John Keats was born on October 31, 1795, in Moorgate, London, England.
2. Family Background: Keats came from a working-class family. His father died when he was eight, and his mother remarried shortly afterward.
Education:
1. Keats attended the Clarke School in Enfield.
2. In 1810, he began medical studies at Guy's Hospital in London, but he left the profession to focus on poetry.
John Keats's Literary Career:
1. Early Poems: Keats started writing poetry in his late teens, and his early works include "Imitation of Spenser" and "Written in Disgust of Vulgar Superstition."
2. Meeting with Leigh Hunt: In 1816, Keats met influential poet and critic Leigh Hunt, who introduced him to other literary figures of the time, including Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Major Works:
1. "Poems" (1817): Keats's first collection, "Poems," was published in 1817. It included some of his early works, and the critical reception was mixed.
2. "Endymion" (1818): Keats's first long poem, "Endymion," was published in 1818. The poem faced harsh criticism, which deeply affected Keats.
Personal Challenges of John Keats:
1. Health Issues: Throughout his life, Keats struggled with poor health, likely exacerbated by tuberculosis.
2. Financial Struggles: Keats faced financial difficulties, especially after the death of his mother and the responsibilities of caring for his younger siblings.
Later Works:
1. "Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of St. Agnes, and Other Poems" (1820): This collection showcased some of Keats's most celebrated works, including "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Ode on a Grecian Urn."
2. "Hyperion" (Unfinished): Keats began a longer poem titled "Hyperion," but he left it incomplete.
Death of John Keats:
1. Italy: In 1820, Keats traveled to Italy in hopes of improving his health.
2. Death: He died of tuberculosis on February 23, 1821, in Rome at the age of 25.
Posthumous Recognition:
1. Keats's poetry gained increasing recognition after his death, and he became one of the leading figures of the Romantic literary movement.
2. His famous odes, including "Ode to a Nightingale" and "To Autumn," are considered some of the finest achievements in English poetry.
John Keats's poetic legacy has endured, and his work is celebrated for its beauty, lyricism, and exploration of themes such as mortality, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. Despite his short life, Keats's impact on English literature remains profound.