Hellenism in English Literature || Hellenism Definition || John Keats as a Hellenistic Poet

 HELLENISM IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

THE TERM ‘HELLENISM’:

German historian J. G. Drosen coined the term “Hellenism” during the 19^th century. The term “Hellenism” comes from the ancient Greek word “Hellēnikós” which means something related to Greece or Greeks.

DEFINITION OF HELLENISM:

Hellenism in literature means devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles.

HELLENISTIC PERIOD:

The death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the rise of Roman Empire in 30 BC

HELLENISM IN JOHN KEATS’ POETRY:

After the age of Neoclassicism of the 18^th century, England became increasingly attached to the Greek art, culture and philosophy. It was during the period of Romantic Revival (1798 – 1830) that the poets like Keats, Wordsworth, Shelley, Byron and others were influenced more by the ancient Greek art and culture. But critics unanimously agree to the fact that among all romantic poets, John Keats was the master lover of Hellenism.

John Keats studied and wrote a prose translation of the ancient Greek masterpiece ‘Aeneid’ (Virgil. He read Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and was thrilled by its beauty.

John Keats has used Greek mythology and ancient Greek imagery in his poems like ‘Ode to a Gracian Urn’ ‘Hyperion’, ‘Endymion’ all published in (1820)

Keats’ love for ancient Greek life is actually an escape from the harsh realities of his own times. With his power of imagination he flew farther to the ancient times of Hellenistic period. Critics rightly said that Keats was a Greek in mind and spirit.   

Click to watch a video on John Keats.