Keats context

John Keats, a Romantic poet during this time period, was born in England in 1795. He lost his father at age eight, his mother at 14, and then his brother to tuberculosis. His exposure led him to contract the disease himself and on advice from the doctors, moved to Rome where he died aged 25. In 1819 Keats published the sonnet ‘Brightstar’, which explored his desire to be immortal and unchanging like a star, whilst not having to remain still and lonely, desiring to experience love. In contrast Keats’ sonnet ‘When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be’ was published posthumously and reflected on Keats’ mortality and impending demise, expressing his fears of being unable to reach his writing potential or experience love.