Introduction to Keats' Letters

In his letters, Keats reveals the ways in which his life experiences and observations of the world around him informed his poetry. For example, his experiences with illness and death, particularly the loss of his brothers, are reflected in many of his poems, such as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “To Autumn.” In these poems, Keats meditates on the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of death. He also explores his own perspectives on themes of beauty and the fleeting nature of happiness.

His time as an apprentice apothecary also influenced his poetry, as can be seen in “The Human Seasons” where he reflects on the passing of time and how it relates to the human experience. His letters also reveal his interest in the natural world and its beauty, as well as his interest in the beauty of the human form, which can be seen in poems such as “Endymion” and “La Belle Dame sans Merci.”

His letters also provide insight into his creative process, as well as his artistic goals and aspirations. Keats was deeply ambitious and sought to create poetry that would be lasting and meaningful. His letters reveal his desire to create poetry that would be considered “eternal” and how he believed that this could be achieved through the use of imagination, as well as through the use of classical forms and themes.

In addition, Keats’ letters also reveal his interest in and deep knowledge of the works of other poets, both contemporary and from the past. Keats was well-versed in classical literature, particularly the works of Homer, Ovid, and Virgil, which influenced his own poetry. He was also a great admirer of Shakespeare and his letters reveal his desire to create poetry that would be worthy of comparison to Shakespeare’s work.

Keats’ Romantic Relationships: Isabella Jones and Fanny Brawne

If you need help with John Keats’s Literature, we have an in-depth course dedicated to him and his poetry, which you can access by clicking here.