Javier Santana. English 206. May 14, 2017. Death In Romantic

Javier Santana English 206 May 14, 2017 Death In Romantic Poetry Throughout literature, death is a topic that is commonly used though it is spoken of in different ways. This is especially true in romantic literature. This is a time when society was exploring more, discovering more and thinking more. New inventions were being used and new writings became more popular. The romantic period was a time for new ideas in literature and some of these ideas and among some of those thoughts of some writers was life and death. Death is just such an emotional and a unique topic, in that there is no one particular view on death and it has such a significant impact on the living that it was a great topic for the romantics to explore. But every poet saw†¦show more content†¦It’s scary, but it is an inevitable part of life that we all must deal with. This poem is relatable to some if not most people in that it is showing death as something to fear. A common fear is dying before we can achieve our full potential and Keats finds a way to put it int o words. He takes his own fears of not having enough time and puts them into this poem. Conversely, in another of Keats’ poems â€Å"Ode on a Grecian Urn†, he describes a piece of art that is spoken of in admiration. Keats believes that art as beautiful as this or any art for that matter is forever. This artistic expression transcends death itself. â€Å"When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe† (Keats). While everyone around grows old and eventually passes away this art is untouched by the hands of death. The works people leave behind are immortal and will withstand the test of time. Whether it be a sculpture or a poet’s work. Keats is not the only one who sees a death as an opportunity though. In â€Å"On Death†, another of Keats’ poems he speaks of death as a chance to let go of the suffering in this life and find peace in another. In the first line of this poem Keats creates an idea that when we are living, or awake, we are dreaming. â€Å"Can death be sleep, when life is but a drea m, And scenes of bliss pass as a phantom by?†(Keats). I believe he’s saying that we are living in a dreamlike state, where we go by in our everyday lives and every