John Keats was a respected English writer from the Romantic Era, specifically known for his poetry. His poems embody the essence of the romantic time period, and the typical fashion of poets during this point in history. In John Keats's poem, "Ode to a Nightingale,"" he characterizes the Romantic Era through his discontent with the tiredness of the real world, and he attempts to use the nightingale as a representation of an ideal world where beauty and love are not subject to change. When the disappointment of his mental escape becomes evident he retreats back to reality, but with a new outlook on life. The Romantic Era took place between 1785-1832, this movement brought about many modifications to the culture at that point in time (Greenblatt 1411). Romanticism began when faith was placed in feelings, senses, and imaginations rather than having faith in reason. People believed that the imagination was an entry to obtain greater experience and truth, and therefore imaginations and emotions were of more importance than rules or reasons. "The individual consciousness and especially the individual imagination are especially fascinating for the Romantics"" (Rahn). Their interests changed completely from dull and scientific, to mystery and magnificence. Primarily they only cared about individuality, perception, and the imagination. People started to value and rely on their natural feelings to conduct themselves rather than their rationality. .
Literature from the Romantic Era emphasizes originality and a love for nature. "One of the most popular themes of Romantic poetry was country life, otherwise known as pastoral poetry. Mythological and fantastic settings were also employed to great effect by many of the Romantic poets"" (Rahn). Romantics idealized the country life because they believed many of the problems within society stemmed from urbanization. The Romantics were fascinated by the past medieval period of history and its mystical, gothic, supernatural, and exotic characteristics.
