Short note on the terms: Keats’ Negative Capability
History of English Literature is a notable literary work by ___. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of History of English Literature.
Answer
Short note on the terms: Keats’ Negative Capability
John Keats (1795-1821) is a famous Romantic poet. He introduces the idea of ‘Negative Capability’. Negative Capability means the poet’s ability to accept uncertainty, doubts, and mysteries without always looking for clear answers. A poet who has Negative Capability keeps himself aloof from his writings. He prevents himself from expressing personal feelings and emotions in his poetry.
Keats used this idea to describe great poets like Shakespeare. Keats argued that Shakespeare wrote about deep emotions and human struggles—without forcing a clear conclusion. He did not try to solve every problem in his plays. Instead, he let the audience feel the mystery and beauty of life. Keats disliked writers who always looked for logic and reason.
Keats believed beauty and emotions are more important than clear explanations. In “Ode to a Nightingale,” he expresses this when he wishes to escape into the world of imagination from the troubles of reality. Without looking for reasons, Keats lets the readers feel the imaginative world of the Nightingale. He even says the Nightingale bird is immortal:
“Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!”
Keats lets readers feel the mystery and emotions through his words.
Finally, Negative Capability is important because it changed the way people think about poetry and art. It encourages imagination, deep emotions, and accepting the unknown.