Thesis
Escapism in Keats’ Poetry
John Keats is one of the most remarkable poets of English Literature. He is considered a true romantic poet because of slogan "art for art's sake." His poetry revolves around romanticism, idealism, experiences of life and desires. It is proven truth that he was least interested in prevalent French Revolution and issues of the time.
“Escapism” is an extremely important element of Keats’ poetry, serving as a foundation for many of his poems as he tries to project himself in the same, undesired situation and attempting to escape the world of worries through the power of his poetry. The recurrence of this theme in his poems is actually not only a part of poetry, but also greatly a result of his personal unfortunate experiences in life. Death of his father, elder brother and beloved Fanny Brawne had strong effect on him. Moreeover TB did the damage to the man. This painful experience of life is what actually makes him somewhat pessimistic and compels him to “escapism” in his poetry.
In the “ode to a Nightingale” Keats fully expounds upon escapism. He is pouring out his thoughts very beautifully and is longing for escape from the world full of strife, sadness and grief. While listening to and appreciating the sweetly sung song of the nightingale, Keats too, wishes to become like her so that he can fly away from the cruel world that has given him nothing else but pain.
“… Fade far away, dissolve and quite forget
… The weariness, the fever and the fret…”
Keats repeatedly wishes to become like the nightingale whose melodious song is eternal and universal and soothes not only the mind but also the soul. He states that although he has no wings yet he would like to fly away “…on the viewless wings of Poesy…” Then again, Keats expresses the desire to die an “easeful Death” so that he doesn’t have to bear the harsh realities of life. Knowing that life has got nothing good to give him, he chooses death instead. Also aware that he can’t
John Keats is one of the most remarkable poets of English Literature. He is considered a true romantic poet because of slogan "art for art's sake." His poetry revolves around romanticism, idealism, experiences of life and desires. It is proven truth that he was least interested in prevalent French Revolution and issues of the time.
“Escapism” is an extremely important element of Keats’ poetry, serving as a foundation for many of his poems as he tries to project himself in the same, undesired situation and attempting to escape the world of worries through the power of his poetry. The recurrence of this theme in his poems is actually not only a part of poetry, but also greatly a result of his personal unfortunate experiences in life. Death of his father, elder brother and beloved Fanny Brawne had strong effect on him. Moreeover TB did the damage to the man. This painful experience of life is what actually makes him somewhat pessimistic and compels him to “escapism” in his poetry.
In the “ode to a Nightingale” Keats fully expounds upon escapism. He is pouring out his thoughts very beautifully and is longing for escape from the world full of strife, sadness and grief. While listening to and appreciating the sweetly sung song of the nightingale, Keats too, wishes to become like her so that he can fly away from the cruel world that has given him nothing else but pain.
“… Fade far away, dissolve and quite forget
… The weariness, the fever and the fret…”
Keats repeatedly wishes to become like the nightingale whose melodious song is eternal and universal and soothes not only the mind but also the soul. He states that although he has no wings yet he would like to fly away “…on the viewless wings of Poesy…” Then again, Keats expresses the desire to die an “easeful Death” so that he doesn’t have to bear the harsh realities of life. Knowing that life has got nothing good to give him, he chooses death instead. Also aware that he can’t