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John Keats – An Enduring Literary Icon

Full Name John Keats
Age 25
Birthday October 31, 1795
Death Date February 23, 1821
Birth Sign Scorpio
Born England
Height 5‘ 0"
Net Worth $11M
Social Profiles

John Keats was a second-generation Romantic poet who died at 25. After his death, his fame grew quickly due to his now iconic poems. He is considered a seminal literary figure of the Romantic era, with an enduring influence on poetry.

About the Poet

Born in 1795 in London, Keats lost his parents at a young age. He was known for his passionate spirit, despite his small stature. Keats studied medicine before realizing his true calling as a poet. He fell deeply in love with Fanny Brawne, but it was not meant to be due to his failing health. In 1821 at just 25 years old, Keats died of tuberculosis in Rome. His close friend Joseph Severn was by his side.

His Enduring Writing Legacy

Keats had a gift for musical verse and rich sensory imagery. He explored themes of nature, beauty, love and mortality through an empathetic lens. Some of his most renowned poems include:

  • "Ode to a Nightingale"
  • "Ode on a Grecian Urn"
  • "Ode to Psyche"
  • "La Belle Dame sans Merci"
  • "Endymion"
  • "Isabella or the Pot of Basil"

Keats mastered various poetic forms like the ode and the sonnet. His emotive language and technical mastery earned high praise from critics and many fans. He is considered a key figure of English Romanticism along with Byron and Shelley. His eloquent lines on love and beauty have become widely-quoted aphorisms.

5 Fascinating Facts about the Poet

  1. Keats‘ parents married only months before his birth, hurting his status.
  2. He was known for his high energy and passion despite his short stature.
  3. Keats studied medicine for years before pursuing poetry full-time.
  4. He fell deeply for Fanny Brawne, his landlady‘s daughter.
  5. Tuberculosis took his life at 25 while in Rome with friend Joseph Severn.

Keats left behind an incredible literary legacy for one so young. His words continue to inspire generations of readers and writers. Though written centuries ago, the sentiments and imagery of his poems remain relatable today. Keats‘ short but brilliant career has earned him enduring acclaim and a revered place in the pantheon of English literature.

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