Thoughtfulness in Keats’ Poetry: A Study of Contemplation, Reflection and Philosophy

Abstract

John Keats is generally studied for sensuousness and imagery in his poetry. No poem is complete without understanding the philosophy behind it. This paper attempts to study Keats’ letters to understand the contemplative and reflective aspects of his poetry. To consider him only a sensuous poet is to underestimate his merits. Understanding philosophy behind his writings is imperative to understand his true genius. His rapid growth as a poet can be truly measured only after examining his letters thoroughly.