Exploring the Romantic Identitiy of John Keats

A research paper presented at  RASAS - Ruhuna Arts Students' Annual Sessions - University of Ruhuna - 2018

Romantic Identity of John Keats

Ranasinghe R.M.S.K.

Department of English and Linguistics.

University of Sri Jayawardenapura.

  

Abstract The purpose of this research is to explore the romantic identity of John Keats; who belongs to the second wave of romantic period. Romanticism; which paves the way to Art, Literature, and Intellectuality to flourish; is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational movements that occurred in the 18th century. Keats and his fellow poets were keen on bringing romantic elements to their poetry. These significant features are discussed with reference to his most distinguished works including ‘To Autumn’ ‘Ode to Fanny’, ‘Bright Star’, ‘Ode to a nightingale’, ‘O solitude’ ‘What can I do?’ and ‘On Oxford’ etc. Keats is against logical reasoning as he takes pleasure in imagination. There is an overflow of deep emotions and a spiritual depth found in his works. As Keats has often found melancholy in delight and rupture in pain; the intermingling of contradictory emotions can be identified as another predominant issue. Intense romance is the backbone of Keats’s poetry. He always seems to be delicately entangled by romance. Yet at times he fears that would be a hindrance to his poetic capability. Thus, love versus escapism bulks large as another key element. Nature is said to be his greatest inspiration. Hence, nature and tranquillity are idealized in most of his odes. Keats has criticized industrialism and modernism while cherishing pastoral landscapes. Although Keats is said to have less concern on contemporary socio-political issues; some of his poems are in stark contrast to that notion. The direct satire on conventional thinking is found at the core of Keats’s creative works. Nostalgia for the past interconnected with a melancholy tone; Supernatural mystery; Incredible sensuality can be further looked upon as his most significant romantic elements. Thus, a close analysis of the above indicates that John Keats has impregnated almost all of his poems with key romantic features.

 

Keywords: Imagination, Melancholy, Nature, Romanticism, Rupture.