In this century, Keats's humanism has been gradually (understood by the critics. But there are singularly few criticisms which are of assistance to the appreciation of beauty in Keats. My object in writing this essay is an attempt to make clear beauty as he conceived. Coming face to face with this difficult question, almost every one is perhaps perplexed, because Keats did not give any systematic explanation about beauty. Keats did not show a very deep interest in fine arts and music. His sense of beauty was cultivated exclusively by his study of the classics of the English, Latin and Greek poets. Especially, he respected Shakespeare till his death. He said in one of his letters, " ... thank God I can read, and perhaps understand Shakespeare to his depths." (to J. Taylor, 27 Feb. 1818). As we can know by these words, his attitude of Negative Capability was learned from Shakespeare. What is more important, we must understand his humanism, which is clearly shown by his words, "All I hope is, that I may not lose all interest in human affairs." (to R. Woodhouse, 27 Oct. 1818) In this essay, the question of beauty in Keats is treated with reference to his humanism and attitude as poet. Beauty as he conceived can be explained from many sides, but, after all, the sublime humanity, represented in many forms, can be said beauty, which has quality of truth. Perhaps we may say that the supreme beauty seized by the young poet is symbolic of the sublimity of human sufferings. He lived both aesthetic and humanistic life. He devoted himself to poetry to the end of his life, and the dearest wish of his heart, O for ten years, that I may overwhelm Myself in poesy. (Sleep and Poetry, II. 96-7) was not carried out at last on account of his sickness.
