John Keats

Date of Birth: October 31, 1795

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: February 23, 1821

Biography

John Keats was an English Romantic poet who lived a brief but highly impactful life. Born on October 31, 1795, in London, Keats was the eldest of four children. His work is characterized by its sensual imagery and odes, and despite his short life, he left an indelible mark on the world of poetry. Keats lost both his parents at a young age; his father died when John was eight, and his mother succumbed to tuberculosis when he was fourteen. These early losses profoundly affected him and his writing. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, Keats trained as an apothecary but abandoned it to focus on poetry. His early works received mixed reviews, but his later poetry, including “Ode to a Nightingale” and “To Autumn,” garnered significant acclaim. Unfortunately, Keats suffered from poor health, and in 1820, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Seeking a milder climate, he moved to Italy in hopes of recuperation. Despite his efforts, Keats passed away in Rome on February 23, 1821, at the age of 25. His legacy endures through his timeless poetry, which continues to inspire readers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about John Keats

1. John Keats was initially trained as a surgeon before deciding to pursue poetry full-time.

2. His poem “Ode to a Nightingale” was inspired by a nightingale that built its nest near the house Keats was living in at the time.

3. Keats’ work was heavily criticized during his lifetime, and he was often ridiculed by contemporary critics.

4. His epitaph, which he wrote himself, reads: “Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water.”

5. Keats was friends with other notable Romantic poets, including Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Keats

1. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.”

2. “Do I wake or sleep?”

3. “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”

4. “The poetry of earth is never dead.”

5. “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Keats did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime. His highest net worth was relatively modest, reflecting the limited commercial success of his works during his life.