John Keats's letters, spanning from 1816 until his untimely death in 1821, offer a deeply personal glimpse into the mind and heart of one of Romantic literature's greatest poets. Initially, these letters faced criticism when published in the 19th century for their intimate nature, but modern scholarship recognizes them as monumental works. They provide profound insights into both Keats's critical opinions and his passionate affections, particularly his notable relationship with Fanny Brawne.

Keats's Correspondents

Keats wrote to a variety of figures who played significant roles in his life and work. These include Benjamin Bailey, a friend and recipient of many critically notable letters; Fanny Brawne, Keats's beloved and the subject of his famous love letters; Charles Armitage Brown, a writer and close confidant; and Charles Wentworth Dilke, a supportive friend and admirer. Other correspondents included Charles Cowden Clarke, William Haslam, Benjamin Haydon, Leigh Hunt, his sister Fanny Keats, his brother George Keats, Joseph Severn, and fellow poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Reflections on Literature

Keats's letters often delve into broader literary discussions, reflecting his awareness of English literary history despite his lack of formal education. He frequently references luminaries like Shakespeare and Milton, striving to align his work with the great literary traditions. Keats's letters reveal his readings of Voltaire, Gibbon, and Rabelais, as well as his familiarity with contemporaries such as Wordsworth, Byron, Shelley, Hunt, and Scott. His critical examinations reflect his desire to understand these writers' contributions and to define his own place among them.

Shakespeare's Profound Influence

Among the literary figures Keats revered, Shakespeare stood paramount. In 1818, Keats expressed his ability to "read and understand Shakespeare to his depths," indicating the profound impact Shakespeare had on his worldview, akin to the elemental forces of nature.

Explorations of Love and Emotion

Keats's letters to Fanny Brawne reveal the depths of his love and vulnerability, often shifting rapidly from joy to melancholy. These letters, filled with raw emotion, depict his struggle with inadequacy and the solace he found in love amidst the realities of his mortality. Keats's candid reflections on his emotional state convey a world colored by passion and introspection, capturing the turbulent tides of his "uneasy spirits."

The Bonds of Friendship

Keats’s letters to friends reflect a deep sense of duty and humility, often apologizing for prioritizing his art over friendship. Yet, he remained grateful for his friends' unwavering support as his health declined, relying on them for financial and emotional sustenance. His tone, when writing about friendship, is often conciliatory and humble, highlighting both his dependency and appreciation.

Artistic Convictions and Criticism

In contrast, Keats's writings on his art reveal a confident and unyielding belief in the righteousness of his critical opinions. He candidly critiques literary giants, weighing Wordsworth's humanism against Milton's intellectual rigor. Keats espouses a preference for his own critical judgments over societal opinions, emphasizing the primacy of art in his life.

Variety and Universality in the Letters

The breadth of topics in Keats's letters illustrates their multifaceted nature, serving as both records and critiques. They document his thoughts on literature, theatre, personal encounters, and the minutiae of daily life. The letters' universality is evident, as Keats seamlessly transitions between diverse subjects with expressive language, mirroring the experimental spirit found in his poetry.

Facing Mortality with Honesty

Keats's letters confronting his mortality are marked by an unflinching honesty. Even as he grapples with the inevitability of death, he maintains a scientific objectivity, dispensing with self-pity. While acknowledging his limited time, Keats focuses on the creative process, determined that his work should endure beyond his lifespan.

In summary, the letters of John Keats are a testament to the poet's complex engagement with life and literature. They demand a reader's attention to both the minute details and overarching emotional currents. Although Keats doubted his lasting legacy, these letters enshrine the depth of his friendships and the vitality of his literary contributions, cementing his place in the annals of Romanticism.