An epistemological approach to John Keats and the truth-function of his poetry

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British
Cover of the book An epistemological approach to John Keats and the truth-function of his poetry by Andrea Heß, GRIN Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrea Heß ISBN: 9783638424929
Publisher: GRIN Publishing Publication: October 8, 2005
Imprint: GRIN Publishing Language: English
Author: Andrea Heß
ISBN: 9783638424929
Publisher: GRIN Publishing
Publication: October 8, 2005
Imprint: GRIN Publishing
Language: English

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, University of Augsburg (Englische Literaturwissenschaft), course: John Keats, 20 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: 'Negative Capability' is a concept coined by the Romantic poet John Keats, as put down in a letter his brothers1, discussed and interpreted by scholars over and over again. On one hand it provides a desirable quality every poet should be in possession of, on the other hand it is to hold the almost presumptuous ability to solve - alongside imagination- the huge epistemological challenges of subject- object- relation and the constitution of reality. Even though Keats himself didn't write any explicit work on his literary theory or poetical concept, his approach to poetry and its aesthetic function can be traced back in his poems and letters. There he openly addresses his attitudes as they are also expressed, sometimes between the lines, throughout his poetry. Only it seems that Keats changed his notions and ideas at times, some of his convictions can rather be seen as temporary spots of light in the ongoing process of the pursuit of knowledge than a real enlightenment. This actually mirrors Keats's statement s about the acquisition of knowledge in a very precise way; that this whole task was enveloped in fuzz and uncertainty, where truth appeared in sparks of epiphany but could never be considered full and complete, absolute knowledge. It is thus enclosed in a developing process that leads ever higher and forwards to a state of further and deeper understanding. In this paper I am going to approach Keats's ways and convictions in the search for knowledge and will take up the challenge of placing him in regard to his epistemology and closely related aesthetic theory. First of all I am going to work out in how far Keats can be understood as an heir of his time. How was he to understand and write about a world that had just been shaken by hopes and disappointments of the French Revolution that brought about a whole new concept of liberty, rights of the individual and anti- dogmatism? I will also show how his scepticism is a direct reaction to and consequent continuation of Enlightenment that worshipped the idealized intellect and reason. When considering the socio- cultural context in which Keats grew up, I hold it important to touch upon the philosophical theories of his time; mainly German Idealism had a great impact of thought in theses decades, whether Keats had read them (which can be doubted2) and had been conscious of their influence or not.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, University of Augsburg (Englische Literaturwissenschaft), course: John Keats, 20 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: 'Negative Capability' is a concept coined by the Romantic poet John Keats, as put down in a letter his brothers1, discussed and interpreted by scholars over and over again. On one hand it provides a desirable quality every poet should be in possession of, on the other hand it is to hold the almost presumptuous ability to solve - alongside imagination- the huge epistemological challenges of subject- object- relation and the constitution of reality. Even though Keats himself didn't write any explicit work on his literary theory or poetical concept, his approach to poetry and its aesthetic function can be traced back in his poems and letters. There he openly addresses his attitudes as they are also expressed, sometimes between the lines, throughout his poetry. Only it seems that Keats changed his notions and ideas at times, some of his convictions can rather be seen as temporary spots of light in the ongoing process of the pursuit of knowledge than a real enlightenment. This actually mirrors Keats's statement s about the acquisition of knowledge in a very precise way; that this whole task was enveloped in fuzz and uncertainty, where truth appeared in sparks of epiphany but could never be considered full and complete, absolute knowledge. It is thus enclosed in a developing process that leads ever higher and forwards to a state of further and deeper understanding. In this paper I am going to approach Keats's ways and convictions in the search for knowledge and will take up the challenge of placing him in regard to his epistemology and closely related aesthetic theory. First of all I am going to work out in how far Keats can be understood as an heir of his time. How was he to understand and write about a world that had just been shaken by hopes and disappointments of the French Revolution that brought about a whole new concept of liberty, rights of the individual and anti- dogmatism? I will also show how his scepticism is a direct reaction to and consequent continuation of Enlightenment that worshipped the idealized intellect and reason. When considering the socio- cultural context in which Keats grew up, I hold it important to touch upon the philosophical theories of his time; mainly German Idealism had a great impact of thought in theses decades, whether Keats had read them (which can be doubted2) and had been conscious of their influence or not.

More books from GRIN Publishing

Cover of the book The application of three major characteristics of liturgy as seen in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book The Promotion of Freedom of Speech in China and South-East Asia: The Role of the United Nations by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Security in the 21st century: US and European responses to global terrorism by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book 'Gone with the Wind' - Scarlett O'Hara in the novel and the film by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book A chapter review of 'Psychosomatic Persons and Reclothed Skeletons: Images of Resurrection in Spiritual Writing and Iconography' by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Experts should stop warning people about what is good or bad for their health, and let them do as they please. Do you agree? by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Distribution of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among the Residence of Porto Novo Municipality of Cape Verde by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book The Mother Theme in Jamaica Kincaid's Fiction by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Do Microcredits offer a practicable solution for sustainable growth in the economies of developing countries? by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book The role of sports in jewish-american society by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Die Erbfolge bei der GmbH by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Der Streik zur Pensionsreform 2003 by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Determinants Of The Capital Structure Of The Cement Industry From Pakistan by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book AfD and PEGIDA.Origins, threats and solutions by Andrea Heß
Cover of the book Accommodating growth: The concept of traditional neighborhood development in Westhaven by Andrea Heß
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy