Does John Keats Address Racism or Discrimination Through His Poems?

John Keats, one of the leading figures of the English Romantic movement, is celebrated for his lyrical poetry that often delves deeply into the aesthetics of nature and the human experience. However, beyond his well-known works such as Endymion, Ode to a Nightingale, and La Belle Dame sans MERCI, an interesting question arises: does Keats address issues such as racism and discrimination within his poetic oeuvre? The answer is not straightforward, primarily because these themes were less prevalent in his time. Yet, an examination of his work reveals a subtle, yet significant exploration of ethical and moral questions that relate to broader societal issues, including racism and discrimination.

Context and Historical Background

The era in which Keats lived (1795-1821) was marked by the early stages of the abolitionist movement against slavery. The British Empire, even though it abolished the slave trade in 1807, still had colonies that relied on the commodification of slaves. Nevertheless, the issue of race and discrimination was not as openly discussed in literary circles as it would become later in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Keats and Social Awareness

While Keats did not explicitly address racism or discrimination in his work, his poetics often delve into themes of otherness, empathy, and the dignity of the individual. The poet was keenly aware of the societal expectations and constraints placed upon him and others, and his work, albeit indirectly, challenges these norms. For example, his poem Endymion features a male protagonist who is ennobled through his dreams and wanderings, a journey that can be seen as a metaphor for transcending societal limitations.

Feminine Figures and Empathy

Keats wrote about feminine figures who embody a variety of virtues and qualities. The character of Endymion is guided by several female figures, including Latona and Diana, who offer guidance, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. This portrayal can be interpreted as a form of empathy and understanding towards different racial and cultural identities, albeit from the perspective of the dominant white culture of his time.

Non-White Characters in Keats' Work

One of the few non-white characters mentioned by Keats in his poetry is Ismenion in Endymion, a figure from the Greek myth. Keats borrowed this character to add depth to his narrative but did not delve into the complexities of his racial identity. Instead, the character serves as a symbol of otherness and exoticism, rather than a direct critique of racism.

Poetic Technique and Ethical Inquiry

Keats' poetic technique, particularly his focus on the minutiae of sensory experience and the exploration of the sublime, can be seen as a form of ethical inquiry. By immersing readers in vivid and immersive experiences, Keats invites them to question their own prejudices and assumptions. For instance, his famous ode Ode to a Nightingale encourages the reader to transcend the material world and dwell in a realm of pure imagination, where boundaries of race and class dissolve.

Conclusion

While John Keats did not directly address racism or discrimination in his work, his poetry often explores themes of otherness, empathy, and the dignity of the individual. Through his lyrical and contemplative approach, Keats implicitly challenges societal norms and encourages his readers to think more deeply about the human condition. His work can be seen as a reflection of his time, but also a call for a more inclusive and empathetic society that transcends the limitations of racial and socio-economic boundaries.

References

1. Biography of John Keats, Poetry Foundation

2. Endymion (novel), Wikipedia

3. Ode to a Nightingale, Poetry Foundation

4. "John Keats and the Abolitionist Movement", JSTOR

5. John Keats: A Romantic and Ethical Inquiry,