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use creative imagination focus on nature importance of myth and symbolism focus on feelings and intuition freedom and s

Changing political and social conditionsReaction against Industrial RevolutionRevolt against Enlightenment and literary stylesWorking long hours in dangerous factoriesDevelopment of modern cities. Trends. Trends. Interest in chaos and natureChanging religious views . Rebellion against authorityCrime, madness, suicide.

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use creative imagination focus on nature importance of myth and symbolism focus on feelings and intuition freedom and s

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    1. Romanticism does not mean “Romantic” as the term is used today in sentimental romance novels with bare-chested pirates and buxom maidens on the cover. Romanticism is a term used to describe the Romantic Era and the ideas that accompany it. The Romantics placed importance on the use of creative imagination, nature, myth and symbolism, feelings and intuition, freedom from rules, spontaneity, simple language, personal experiences, democracy, and liberty and held a fascination with the past, including ancient myths and the mysticism of the Middle Ages. The Romantic poets are often called the “nature poets.” Romanticism does not mean “Romantic” as the term is used today in sentimental romance novels with bare-chested pirates and buxom maidens on the cover. Romanticism is a term used to describe the Romantic Era and the ideas that accompany it. The Romantics placed importance on the use of creative imagination, nature, myth and symbolism, feelings and intuition, freedom from rules, spontaneity, simple language, personal experiences, democracy, and liberty and held a fascination with the past, including ancient myths and the mysticism of the Middle Ages. The Romantic poets are often called the “nature poets.”

    2. The trends of the times led to Romanticism. The political and social conditions of England changed quickly, and created a new style of thinking and writing. Romanticism was partly a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the literary styles of both. The Industrial Revolution began in 1789, and England was undergoing rapid changes in industry and manufacturing. Many people spent long hours working in dangerous factories, and modern cities began to develop. The trends of the times led to Romanticism. The political and social conditions of England changed quickly, and created a new style of thinking and writing. Romanticism was partly a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the literary styles of both. The Industrial Revolution began in 1789, and England was undergoing rapid changes in industry and manufacturing. Many people spent long hours working in dangerous factories, and modern cities began to develop.

    3. People were turning from machines and man-made laws and embracing their creative sides. They became interested in disorder and nature. For example, consider the formal, geometric designs in French gardens, such as those at Versailles. In contrast, English gardeners strove to create gardens that mirrored the wildness of nature. Some even hired students to pose as hermits living in their disordered, wild gardens. Since so many people began living in cities, they were suddenly removed from nature, and their interest in nature grew. Fewer people followed formal Anglican worship, and more people began following different religious sects. People embraced ideas that rebelled against authority, and they found crime, madness, and suicide intriguing. People were turning from machines and man-made laws and embracing their creative sides. They became interested in disorder and nature. For example, consider the formal, geometric designs in French gardens, such as those at Versailles. In contrast, English gardeners strove to create gardens that mirrored the wildness of nature. Some even hired students to pose as hermits living in their disordered, wild gardens. Since so many people began living in cities, they were suddenly removed from nature, and their interest in nature grew. Fewer people followed formal Anglican worship, and more people began following different religious sects. People embraced ideas that rebelled against authority, and they found crime, madness, and suicide intriguing.

    4. The Romantics revolted against the classic style of the previous century and are opposites in many ways. While the people of the previous century stressed reason and judgment, the Romantics stressed imagination and emotion. Instead of valuing society as a whole, as the Neoclassics did, the Romantics valued individual human beings. Furthermore, people of the Neoclassic era followed authority and rules and were interested in maintaining the aristocracy and keeping the powerful people in power, while Romantics strove for freedom and were concerned with the common people. Instead of being interested in science and technology, the Romantics were interested in the supernatural and mysterious. The Romantics revolted against the classic style of the previous century and are opposites in many ways. While the people of the previous century stressed reason and judgment, the Romantics stressed imagination and emotion. Instead of valuing society as a whole, as the Neoclassics did, the Romantics valued individual human beings. Furthermore, people of the Neoclassic era followed authority and rules and were interested in maintaining the aristocracy and keeping the powerful people in power, while Romantics strove for freedom and were concerned with the common people. Instead of being interested in science and technology, the Romantics were interested in the supernatural and mysterious.

    5. Writers seized the day as they embraced the change in philosophies. English Romanticism officially began with Lyrical Ballads, a collection of poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge. The early poets of Romanticism are Blake, Wordsworth, and Coleridge: they were born before the time period began and lived through most of it. The second generation of poets includes Byron, Shelley, and Keats. Writers seized the day as they embraced the change in philosophies. English Romanticism officially began with Lyrical Ballads, a collection of poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge. The early poets of Romanticism are Blake, Wordsworth, and Coleridge: they were born before the time period began and lived through most of it. The second generation of poets includes Byron, Shelley, and Keats.

    6. Remember that Romantic poets valued the imagination and nature instead of reason. William Blake balks reason by stating emphatically: “…I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.” William Wordsworth emphasized nature: “Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge placed the utmost importance on the imagination: “Examine nature accurately, but write from recollection, and trust more to the imagination than the memory.” Where do you stand? Is imagination more important than logic? Remember that Romantic poets valued the imagination and nature instead of reason. William Blake balks reason by stating emphatically: “…I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.” William Wordsworth emphasized nature: “Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge placed the utmost importance on the imagination: “Examine nature accurately, but write from recollection, and trust more to the imagination than the memory.” Where do you stand? Is imagination more important than logic?

    7. Of reason, Lord Byron said: “Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.” John Keats’ definition of truth is: “What the imagination seizes as beauty must be truth.” For a definition of Romantic poetry, contemplate Percy Bysshe Shelley’s words: “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.”Of reason, Lord Byron said: “Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.” John Keats’ definition of truth is: “What the imagination seizes as beauty must be truth.” For a definition of Romantic poetry, contemplate Percy Bysshe Shelley’s words: “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.”

    8. William Blake claimed to have seen and conversed with visions of ghostly and angelic figures, including the Virgin Mary and angel Gabriel. When Blake was four years old, he screamed because he claimed he saw God at his window. These ghostly visions continued throughout his life, and his parents encouraged Blake’s mystic “gift of vision.” Blake was born in London on November 28, 1757. Blake’s father ran a hosiery shop in London, and William spent most of his life in London. Blake was educated at home by his mother, and he enrolled in drawing school at age ten. William Blake claimed to have seen and conversed with visions of ghostly and angelic figures, including the Virgin Mary and angel Gabriel. When Blake was four years old, he screamed because he claimed he saw God at his window. These ghostly visions continued throughout his life, and his parents encouraged Blake’s mystic “gift of vision.” Blake was born in London on November 28, 1757. Blake’s father ran a hosiery shop in London, and William spent most of his life in London. Blake was educated at home by his mother, and he enrolled in drawing school at age ten.

    9. During the final years of his life, Blake suffered with an unknown sickness that was probably biliary cirrhosis. This disease is caused by prolonged exposure to fumes produced from the acid used on copperplates during the engraving process. He experienced stomach pain, chills, and other painful symptoms. He died on August 12, 1827, and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bunhill Fields, where his parents, aunt, and brother were also buried. A rather sad ending to a gifted man’s life. During the final years of his life, Blake suffered with an unknown sickness that was probably biliary cirrhosis. This disease is caused by prolonged exposure to fumes produced from the acid used on copperplates during the engraving process. He experienced stomach pain, chills, and other painful symptoms. He died on August 12, 1827, and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bunhill Fields, where his parents, aunt, and brother were also buried. A rather sad ending to a gifted man’s life.

    10. Blake wrote about injustices that were going on in his world. Songs of Innocence (1789) is a book of poems and designs. These short poems are written from a child’s point of view, but also function as parables of adult experiences. Songs of Innocence exposed many of the dangers and hardships to which children at the time, before child labor laws, were subjected to. Thus, he exposed the greed and lack of compassion of many who lived off of poor children and their parents. One such famous poem is “The Chimney Sweep.” Songs of Experience is a companion work to Songs of Innocence. Together, Blake called the collection Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1794). With these, Blake’s goal was to show the two contrasting sides of the human soul. Blake’s works were first published in 1783. With the financial help of his friends, Blake published Poetical Sketches. It is a collection of lyrical poems that Blake had written during the previous fourteen years. The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790) is a satire containing a cast of angels and devils in the settings of heaven and hell. Blake wrote about injustices that were going on in his world. Songs of Innocence (1789) is a book of poems and designs. These short poems are written from a child’s point of view, but also function as parables of adult experiences. Songs of Innocence exposed many of the dangers and hardships to which children at the time, before child labor laws, were subjected to. Thus, he exposed the greed and lack of compassion of many who lived off of poor children and their parents. One such famous poem is “The Chimney Sweep.” Songs of Experience is a companion work to Songs of Innocence. Together, Blake called the collection Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1794). With these, Blake’s goal was to show the two contrasting sides of the human soul. Blake’s works were first published in 1783. With the financial help of his friends, Blake published Poetical Sketches. It is a collection of lyrical poems that Blake had written during the previous fourteen years. The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790) is a satire containing a cast of angels and devils in the settings of heaven and hell.

    11. The Ancient of Days (God as an Architect) 1794The Ancient of Days (God as an Architect) 1794

    12. Great Red Dragon Great Red Dragon

    14. William Wordsworth came to know a lot of sorrow in his life. He was born on April 17, 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. His mother died in 1778 when William was eight years old, and his father died five years later. Wordsworth continued his education at St. John’s College in Cambridge. In 1791, he visited France. While there, he had an affair with Annette Vallon; the result was an illegitimate daughter named Caroline. Wordsworth tried to hide the affair, but they are the basis of his poem “Vaudracour and Julia.” William Wordsworth came to know a lot of sorrow in his life. He was born on April 17, 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. His mother died in 1778 when William was eight years old, and his father died five years later. Wordsworth continued his education at St. John’s College in Cambridge. In 1791, he visited France. While there, he had an affair with Annette Vallon; the result was an illegitimate daughter named Caroline. Wordsworth tried to hide the affair, but they are the basis of his poem “Vaudracour and Julia.”

    15. Wordsworth later married Mary Hutchinson, and they had five children together. Wordsworth’s sister Dorothy lived with Wordsworth for much of his life even after he and Mary were married. Wordsworth and Mary’s marriage was tested with many sorrowful events. Wordsworth’s brother John was lost at sea in 1805. Wordsworth had fought with and lost the friendship of Samuel Coleridge in 1810. However, later in life, Wordsworth and Coleridge reconciled their friendship and toured the Rhineland together. In 1812, two of Wordsworth’s children died. But Wordsworth’s life was not all gloom and doom. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from Durham University in 1838. Oxford awarded him the same honor the following year. Wordsworth later married Mary Hutchinson, and they had five children together. Wordsworth’s sister Dorothy lived with Wordsworth for much of his life even after he and Mary were married. Wordsworth and Mary’s marriage was tested with many sorrowful events. Wordsworth’s brother John was lost at sea in 1805. Wordsworth had fought with and lost the friendship of Samuel Coleridge in 1810. However, later in life, Wordsworth and Coleridge reconciled their friendship and toured the Rhineland together. In 1812, two of Wordsworth’s children died. But Wordsworth’s life was not all gloom and doom. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from Durham University in 1838. Oxford awarded him the same honor the following year.

    16. Further accolades came when Wordsworth was named Poet Laureate in 1843. Yet, once again, sorrow invaded Wordsworth life. In 1847, a third child died, a daughter named Dora, and Wordsworth stopped creating poetry altogether. Late in his life, Wordsworth abandoned his views concerning Romanticism and became a conservative, patriotic man. Wordsworth died in 1850 at Rydal Mount. His body is buried at St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. Further accolades came when Wordsworth was named Poet Laureate in 1843. Yet, once again, sorrow invaded Wordsworth life. In 1847, a third child died, a daughter named Dora, and Wordsworth stopped creating poetry altogether. Late in his life, Wordsworth abandoned his views concerning Romanticism and became a conservative, patriotic man. Wordsworth died in 1850 at Rydal Mount. His body is buried at St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere.

    17. Wordsworth was close friends with Samuel Coleridge. Together they produced Lyrical Ballads in 1798. The volume contains one of Wordsworth’s most famous poems, “Tintern Abbey,” along with Coleridge’s famous “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Ironically, the volume did not list Wordsworth or Coleridge as the authors. The second edition, published in 1800, listed only Wordsworth as the author. In the preface to this volume, Wordsworth discusses a principle of Romanticism: He chose to use the “real language of men,” which contrasted from the stiff, formal words of common 18th century poetry. Also in the preface, Wordsworth defines poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings from emotions recollected in tranquility.” An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches, both published in 1793, were Wordsworth’s first published volumes of poetry. Wordsworth was close friends with Samuel Coleridge. Together they produced Lyrical Ballads in 1798. The volume contains one of Wordsworth’s most famous poems, “Tintern Abbey,” along with Coleridge’s famous “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Ironically, the volume did not list Wordsworth or Coleridge as the authors. The second edition, published in 1800, listed only Wordsworth as the author. In the preface to this volume, Wordsworth discusses a principle of Romanticism: He chose to use the “real language of men,” which contrasted from the stiff, formal words of common 18th century poetry. Also in the preface, Wordsworth defines poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings from emotions recollected in tranquility.” An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches, both published in 1793, were Wordsworth’s first published volumes of poetry.

    18. With the trials that Wordsworth endured, it’s no wonder that his poems contain common themes of death, endurance, separation, and abandonment. His masterpiece is considered to be The Prelude, which Wordsworth finished in 1805 and had originally named “poem to Coleridge.” Wordsworth refused to publish this work during his lifetime; it was actually his wife Mary who published it after Wordsworth’s death in 1850. She changed the name of the work to The Prelude. Wordsworth published Poems in Two Volumes in 1807. Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Robert Southey lived in the Lake District and worked together; they became called the Lake Poets. With the trials that Wordsworth endured, it’s no wonder that his poems contain common themes of death, endurance, separation, and abandonment. His masterpiece is considered to be The Prelude, which Wordsworth finished in 1805 and had originally named “poem to Coleridge.” Wordsworth refused to publish this work during his lifetime; it was actually his wife Mary who published it after Wordsworth’s death in 1850. She changed the name of the work to The Prelude. Wordsworth published Poems in Two Volumes in 1807. Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Robert Southey lived in the Lake District and worked together; they became called the Lake Poets.

    19. Unlike many of the other Romantic writers, Percy Bysshe Shelley had a typical childhood. He was born at Field Place near Horsham in Sussex, England. He was tutored at home by Reverend Thomas Edwards and attended Sion House Academy of Brentford. He was further educated at Eton College (1804) and University College at Oxford (1810). His first publication, Gothic novel Zastrozzi, came out that same year. Unlike many of the other Romantic writers, Percy Bysshe Shelley had a typical childhood. He was born at Field Place near Horsham in Sussex, England. He was tutored at home by Reverend Thomas Edwards and attended Sion House Academy of Brentford. He was further educated at Eton College (1804) and University College at Oxford (1810). His first publication, Gothic novel Zastrozzi, came out that same year.

    20. In 1811 Shelley published the pamphlet entitled The Necessity of Atheism. During this time Shelley was in college and was expelled from college. Shelley’s father tried to have him reinstated, but Shelley refused to renounce his views. Listen to the audio recording about Shelley being a “great alumni” of University College Oxford. Shelley soon traveled to Scotland in order to elope with 16-year-old Harriet Westbrook. He had a daughter named Ianthe, but Shelley often traveled without his wife and child because he was unhappy in his marriage. During one of his travels, he met Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and began a romantic relationship with her. In 1811 Shelley published the pamphlet entitled The Necessity of Atheism. During this time Shelley was in college and was expelled from college. Shelley’s father tried to have him reinstated, but Shelley refused to renounce his views. Listen to the audio recording about Shelley being a “great alumni” of University College Oxford. Shelley soon traveled to Scotland in order to elope with 16-year-old Harriet Westbrook. He had a daughter named Ianthe, but Shelley often traveled without his wife and child because he was unhappy in his marriage. During one of his travels, he met Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and began a romantic relationship with her.

    21. In 1814 Shelley left his pregnant wife to elope with 16-year-old Mary. Mary’s stepsister Claire accompanied them to Switzerland so that she could spend time with Lord Byron. During a second trip to Switzerland, Shelley met Lord Byron. The two rented houses side by side and took a boat tour together. On the tour Shelley wrote “Hymn to Intellectual Beauty.” When the Shelleys returned to England, Mary’s stepsister Claire was pregnant with Lord Byron’s child. While in Switzerland, Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein. In 1818, the Shelleys took Claire and her daughter Allegra to Venice to meet Allegra’s father, Lord Byron.In 1814 Shelley left his pregnant wife to elope with 16-year-old Mary. Mary’s stepsister Claire accompanied them to Switzerland so that she could spend time with Lord Byron. During a second trip to Switzerland, Shelley met Lord Byron. The two rented houses side by side and took a boat tour together. On the tour Shelley wrote “Hymn to Intellectual Beauty.” When the Shelleys returned to England, Mary’s stepsister Claire was pregnant with Lord Byron’s child. While in Switzerland, Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein. In 1818, the Shelleys took Claire and her daughter Allegra to Venice to meet Allegra’s father, Lord Byron.

    22. The years 1818 and 1819 were difficult for Shelley because his son died of a fever, and his baby daughter died during a family move. When his friend John Keats died, an inspired Shelley wrote the elegy Adonais. Shelley shared his radical political views in the essay: “The Philosophical View of Reform.” Another of Shelley’s and his wife’s radical ideas was vegetarianism, and Shelley wrote essays on the topic, including “A Vindication of Natural Diet” and “On the Vegetable System of Diet.” Shelley believed in the rights of all living things and said that using animals as food was barbaric. The years 1818 and 1819 were difficult for Shelley because his son died of a fever, and his baby daughter died during a family move. When his friend John Keats died, an inspired Shelley wrote the elegy Adonais. Shelley shared his radical political views in the essay: “The Philosophical View of Reform.” Another of Shelley’s and his wife’s radical ideas was vegetarianism, and Shelley wrote essays on the topic, including “A Vindication of Natural Diet” and “On the Vegetable System of Diet.” Shelley believed in the rights of all living things and said that using animals as food was barbaric.

    23. Shelley had been sailing on his boat, the Don Juan, when a storm appeared. Twenty-nine-year-old Shelley drowned, but many believe it was not an accident. The boat showed signs of being hit by a larger vessel, and he certainly had enemies in the British government. Shelley made many political enemies, as the reader can see in his “Sonnet: England in 1819.” Shelley’s fully clothed body washed ashore. His funeral was on the beach; a friend removed his heart and gave it to his wife. She kept it wrapped in silk and carried it with her. Per his unconventional wishes, Shelley’s body was cremated in a funeral pyre on the same beach upon which his body washed ashore. His ashes were buried in Protestant Cemetery in Rome. Shelley had been sailing on his boat, the Don Juan, when a storm appeared. Twenty-nine-year-old Shelley drowned, but many believe it was not an accident. The boat showed signs of being hit by a larger vessel, and he certainly had enemies in the British government. Shelley made many political enemies, as the reader can see in his “Sonnet: England in 1819.” Shelley’s fully clothed body washed ashore. His funeral was on the beach; a friend removed his heart and gave it to his wife. She kept it wrapped in silk and carried it with her. Per his unconventional wishes, Shelley’s body was cremated in a funeral pyre on the same beach upon which his body washed ashore. His ashes were buried in Protestant Cemetery in Rome.

    24. Some of Shelley’s works include “Ozymandias” (1818), “Ode to the West Wind” (1819), “The Masque of Anarchy” (1819), “To a Skylark” (1820) and Prometheus Unbound (1820). Some of Shelley’s works include “Ozymandias” (1818), “Ode to the West Wind” (1819), “The Masque of Anarchy” (1819), “To a Skylark” (1820) and Prometheus Unbound (1820).

    25. Samuel Coleridge had a rough childhood. He was born on October 21, 1772 in Ottery St. Mary in Devonshire, England. He was the youngest of ten children. His father, a parish vicar, died when Coleridge was nine years old. Coleridge was then sent to the London boarding school Christ’s Hospital as a charity scholar. His relationship with his mother was strained, and he was rarely allowed to come home during the school holidays. He wrote of his loneliness at school in his conversational poem “Frost at Midnight.” Using an allowance from his brother, he attended Jesus College at the University of Cambridge from 1791-1794 and won the Browne Gold Medal in 1792 for an ode he wrote about the slave trade. Samuel Coleridge had a rough childhood. He was born on October 21, 1772 in Ottery St. Mary in Devonshire, England. He was the youngest of ten children. His father, a parish vicar, died when Coleridge was nine years old. Coleridge was then sent to the London boarding school Christ’s Hospital as a charity scholar. His relationship with his mother was strained, and he was rarely allowed to come home during the school holidays. He wrote of his loneliness at school in his conversational poem “Frost at Midnight.” Using an allowance from his brother, he attended Jesus College at the University of Cambridge from 1791-1794 and won the Browne Gold Medal in 1792 for an ode he wrote about the slave trade.

    26. In 1793, Coleridge left college to join the 15th Light Dragoons under the alias Silas Tomkyn Comerbacke. Unsuccessful at army life and often falling off his horse, his captain brother in the Dragoons arranged for his discharge on an insanity count. Coleridge reenrolled in college, but later left without a degree. He met poet Robert Southey and joined in his plan to build a Pantisocracy, a utopian communist-like society in the Pennsylvania wilderness. Coleridge and Southey married sisters Sarah and Edith Fricker, as marriage was required for their planned community, but his marriage didn’t last. He worked for some time as a Unitarian minister. In 1793, Coleridge left college to join the 15th Light Dragoons under the alias Silas Tomkyn Comerbacke. Unsuccessful at army life and often falling off his horse, his captain brother in the Dragoons arranged for his discharge on an insanity count. Coleridge reenrolled in college, but later left without a degree. He met poet Robert Southey and joined in his plan to build a Pantisocracy, a utopian communist-like society in the Pennsylvania wilderness. Coleridge and Southey married sisters Sarah and Edith Fricker, as marriage was required for their planned community, but his marriage didn’t last. He worked for some time as a Unitarian minister.

    27. Coleridge became friends with William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy in 1795. The following year, Coleridge started taking opium as a pain reliever for toothaches, asthma, and other ailments. At this time there was little knowledge of the addiction this would create. Luckily, Coleridge was granted an annuity of one hundred and fifty pounds per year to pursue writing, so he no longer had to continue ministering. Friends Coleridge and Wordsworth traveled to Germany together in 1798. Coleridge studied the German language and philosophy, including the ideas of transcendental idealist Immanuel Kant.Coleridge became friends with William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy in 1795. The following year, Coleridge started taking opium as a pain reliever for toothaches, asthma, and other ailments. At this time there was little knowledge of the addiction this would create. Luckily, Coleridge was granted an annuity of one hundred and fifty pounds per year to pursue writing, so he no longer had to continue ministering. Friends Coleridge and Wordsworth traveled to Germany together in 1798. Coleridge studied the German language and philosophy, including the ideas of transcendental idealist Immanuel Kant.

    28. By 1806, Dorothy Wordsworth was shocked to learn that Coleridge was using up to two quarts of laudanum a week and that his opium addiction had drastically worsened. In 1810, Coleridge lost his friendship with Wordsworth during a quarrel. Due to his failing health, Coleridge moved in with James Gillman in 1814; the apothecary and his family cared for Coleridge for the next 18 years. Coleridge died of heart failure on July 25, 1834. By 1806, Dorothy Wordsworth was shocked to learn that Coleridge was using up to two quarts of laudanum a week and that his opium addiction had drastically worsened. In 1810, Coleridge lost his friendship with Wordsworth during a quarrel. Due to his failing health, Coleridge moved in with James Gillman in 1814; the apothecary and his family cared for Coleridge for the next 18 years. Coleridge died of heart failure on July 25, 1834.

    29. Coleridge’s first publication was Poems on Various Subjects in 1796. As mentioned previously, in 1798, he and his friend William Wordsworth worked together, publishing Lyrical Ballads. Although the volume contained mostly Wordsworth’s work, Coleridge included his famous poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” his six hundred and twenty-five line ballad. Coleridge is also famous for his poem “Kubla Khan” and his prose work Biographia Literaria, which contains twenty-five chapters of autobiographical notes on different subjects. Coleridge’s first publication was Poems on Various Subjects in 1796. As mentioned previously, in 1798, he and his friend William Wordsworth worked together, publishing Lyrical Ballads. Although the volume contained mostly Wordsworth’s work, Coleridge included his famous poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” his six hundred and twenty-five line ballad. Coleridge is also famous for his poem “Kubla Khan” and his prose work Biographia Literaria, which contains twenty-five chapters of autobiographical notes on different subjects.

    30. Listen to this audio recording from Coleridge’s famous The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The excerpt is from part two of the poem. Listen to this audio recording from Coleridge’s famous The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The excerpt is from part two of the poem.

    31. Lord Byron’s parents separated before his birth. It is suspected that Captain John Byron, Lord Byron’s father, married his wife Lady Catherine Gordon for her money; she was a descendant of James I. George Gordon, later Lord Byron, was born in London and named George Gordon Noel Byron. Gordon was a baptismal name, his mother’s maiden name. He was born with a club foot, which caused him misery all of his life. Shortly after his birth, Catherine took her son home to Aberdeen, Scotland, where she raised him. At age ten he inherited his family’s title of lord and became known as Lord Byron. Lord Byron’s parents separated before his birth. It is suspected that Captain John Byron, Lord Byron’s father, married his wife Lady Catherine Gordon for her money; she was a descendant of James I. George Gordon, later Lord Byron, was born in London and named George Gordon Noel Byron. Gordon was a baptismal name, his mother’s maiden name. He was born with a club foot, which caused him misery all of his life. Shortly after his birth, Catherine took her son home to Aberdeen, Scotland, where she raised him. At age ten he inherited his family’s title of lord and became known as Lord Byron.

    32. In 1815 Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke; the two divorced one year later in 1816. After the divorce, Byron left England forever. Byron traveled with his personal doctor to Switzerland where he met and befriended Percy Bysshe Shelley, Shelley’s wife Mary, and Mary’s stepsister Claire, with whom Byron had had an affair in London. Byron and Claire had a child. He later seduced an Italian woman, Countess Guiccioli, and convinced her to leave her husband and become his mistress. In 1823, Byron was contacted by Greek insurgents, and Byron agreed to become an ally. He gave 4,000 pounds to refit the Greek fleet to attack and earn Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, thus making him a hero. In 1815 Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke; the two divorced one year later in 1816. After the divorce, Byron left England forever. Byron traveled with his personal doctor to Switzerland where he met and befriended Percy Bysshe Shelley, Shelley’s wife Mary, and Mary’s stepsister Claire, with whom Byron had had an affair in London. Byron and Claire had a child. He later seduced an Italian woman, Countess Guiccioli, and convinced her to leave her husband and become his mistress. In 1823, Byron was contacted by Greek insurgents, and Byron agreed to become an ally. He gave 4,000 pounds to refit the Greek fleet to attack and earn Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, thus making him a hero.

    33. In 1824 Byron fell ill, and doctors used the then common remedy of bleeding. He then caught a cold, was bled again, caught a violent fever and died on April 19, 1824. Byron is still celebrated as a Greek national hero; the Greeks embalmed his body and buried his heart under a tree. Upon Byron’s death the Greeks tried to send his remains to England, but Westminster Abbey refused them. A memorial for Byron was finally placed in Westminster Abbey one hundred forty-five years after his death. In 1824 Byron fell ill, and doctors used the then common remedy of bleeding. He then caught a cold, was bled again, caught a violent fever and died on April 19, 1824. Byron is still celebrated as a Greek national hero; the Greeks embalmed his body and buried his heart under a tree. Upon Byron’s death the Greeks tried to send his remains to England, but Westminster Abbey refused them. A memorial for Byron was finally placed in Westminster Abbey one hundred forty-five years after his death.

    34. Byron wrote about some very bizarre topics. “Epigraph to a Dog” is a poem he wrote to honor his rabid dog Boatswain. Byron attempted to nurse the dog back to health despite his fear of being bitten. Nonetheless, Byron’s masterpiece is considered to be Don Juan, an unfinished poem of seventeen cantos. Byron worked on it from 1818 until his death in 1824. Byron’s publisher was reluctant to publish Don Juan because he feared prosecution, and readers regarded the mock epic as immoral and indecent. Byron’s other works include “She Walks in Beauty,” “Darkness,” and Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.”Byron wrote about some very bizarre topics. “Epigraph to a Dog” is a poem he wrote to honor his rabid dog Boatswain. Byron attempted to nurse the dog back to health despite his fear of being bitten. Nonetheless, Byron’s masterpiece is considered to be Don Juan, an unfinished poem of seventeen cantos. Byron worked on it from 1818 until his death in 1824. Byron’s publisher was reluctant to publish Don Juan because he feared prosecution, and readers regarded the mock epic as immoral and indecent. Byron’s other works include “She Walks in Beauty,” “Darkness,” and Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.”

    35. John Keats was born in London and had four siblings, one of whom died in infancy. Keats’ father worked as a hostler, a person who takes care of horses. When Keats was eight years old, his father fell off his horse, fractured his skull, and died. Keats’ mother remarried only two months later, but the marriage was not happy. She sent the children to live with their grandmother. In 1810 Keats’ mother died of tuberculosis, and Keats and his siblings were left in the care of their grandmother. John Keats was born in London and had four siblings, one of whom died in infancy. Keats’ father worked as a hostler, a person who takes care of horses. When Keats was eight years old, his father fell off his horse, fractured his skull, and died. Keats’ mother remarried only two months later, but the marriage was not happy. She sent the children to live with their grandmother. In 1810 Keats’ mother died of tuberculosis, and Keats and his siblings were left in the care of their grandmother.

    36. Keats became apprenticed to a surgeon, but did not get along with his master. After a fight, he quit his apprenticeship and became a student at Guy’s Hospital. Though Keats showed aptitude in the field of medicine, he was more interested in literature, and he wrote his first poem in 1814 shortly before his grandmother’s death. In 1816, his medical studies had progressed, and Keats became a junior house surgeon and a dresser, a person who applies bandages. The next year Keats became qualified to practice as an apothecary, but he quit medicine to pursue his dream of a career in poetry. Keats became apprenticed to a surgeon, but did not get along with his master. After a fight, he quit his apprenticeship and became a student at Guy’s Hospital. Though Keats showed aptitude in the field of medicine, he was more interested in literature, and he wrote his first poem in 1814 shortly before his grandmother’s death. In 1816, his medical studies had progressed, and Keats became a junior house surgeon and a dresser, a person who applies bandages. The next year Keats became qualified to practice as an apothecary, but he quit medicine to pursue his dream of a career in poetry.

    37. In 1817 he published his first volume of poetry entitled Poems, but it did not sell well. A friend of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the two entered a contest to create an epic poem, which is when Keats began Endymion. Orphaned at an early age, Keats had extremely close relationships with his living siblings. His brother George had left to live in America, and his brother Tom was dying of tuberculosis, the same disease that killed Keats’ mother. In 1818 Keats fell in love with eighteen-year-old Fanny Brawne, but he was too poor to propose marriage. Their relationship could not last because Keats realized in 1820 that he had the symptoms of tuberculosis, and his doctor recommended that he travel to a warmer climate to recover. In 1817 he published his first volume of poetry entitled Poems, but it did not sell well. A friend of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the two entered a contest to create an epic poem, which is when Keats began Endymion. Orphaned at an early age, Keats had extremely close relationships with his living siblings. His brother George had left to live in America, and his brother Tom was dying of tuberculosis, the same disease that killed Keats’ mother. In 1818 Keats fell in love with eighteen-year-old Fanny Brawne, but he was too poor to propose marriage. Their relationship could not last because Keats realized in 1820 that he had the symptoms of tuberculosis, and his doctor recommended that he travel to a warmer climate to recover.

    38. He died in Rome in 1821 at the age of only 25 and is buried in Protestant Cemetery in Rome. Per his request, his tombstone reads: “Here lies one whose name was writ in water.” Fanny Brawne learned of Keats’ death and stayed in mourning for several years. Due to Keats’ early death, it is important to note that his poetic career lasted a mere three and a half years, yet he is remembered as one of the great English poets. He died in Rome in 1821 at the age of only 25 and is buried in Protestant Cemetery in Rome. Per his request, his tombstone reads: “Here lies one whose name was writ in water.” Fanny Brawne learned of Keats’ death and stayed in mourning for several years. Due to Keats’ early death, it is important to note that his poetic career lasted a mere three and a half years, yet he is remembered as one of the great English poets.

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