Keats Context

Question 1

Early Life

Answer 1

• Born October 31, 1795 in North London
• Orphaned at an early age, lost both parents by 14
• Apprentices as a surgeon but changed to poetry around 1814

Question 2

Literary Context - Romantic Movement

Answer 2

• Keats belonged to the second generation of Romantic poets. Romanticism celebrated emotion, individualism and a deep connection to the sublime

Question 3

Literary Context - Historical Influences

Answer 3

• Keats lived during a time of political unrest, the industrial revolution and the aftermath of the french revolutionm which influenced romantic themes of rebellion and introspection

Question 4

Writing Style

Answer 4

• Rich, sensory language that evokes sight, sound, touch, taste and smell
• Use of odes to explore abstract concepts (e.g beauty)
• Balance between personal emotion and universal truths