The Romantic Poets - Volume 2

Keats, Byron and Shelley were second generation Romantic Poets who are responsible more than anyone for the idea of the Poet as flawed genius who invariably die young. They also represented the Poet as a radical voice in society who sought to address social ills and conventions. England in the early 19th Century was in turmoil and about to embark on wars with Napoleon and the French that would have great significance for latter European development. Many radicals in England supported the French Revolution and saw it as a social revolution that would lead to greater freedoms and equality. However as Keats, Byron and Shelley found out holding these views in England were dangerous and often they chose self imposed exile on the continent. The deaths of Keats, Bryon and Shelley all added to their myth and legend, which sometimes overshadowed their poetry. The interest grew until in the 20th century they were all considered important English poets who have influenced many poets and artists .