John Keats's Poetry and Mythology: Endymion

Mgr. Hana Sedláková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The main aim of this bachelor thesis is to read and closely analyse one of the John Keat's principal works - the poem Endymion. This poem is considered to be exceptional because of the use of classical [mainly Greek] stories and mythology. The main purpose of this work is to show how Greek tales,courageous heroes and symbols of ancient gods help to shape the plot, atmosphere and meaning of the poem. Endymion as a long narrative story depicted in impressive verses is being compared and contrasted to old myths which it makes use of. It also wants to point out Keats's attempt to make these classical allusions and myths authentically his by a power of re-creation. Maybe it will be difficult for contemporary readers to find the precious meaning of such magnificent verses which are full of no longer commonplace names of various deities and courageous heroes, ideas and knowledge, but for John Keats's generation this poem represented a compulsory component of higher education. Let then peep in the poet's vivid imagination and find out whether the main aim of this thesis is fulfilled.

Keywords

Greek mythology, myths, gods, Cynthia [Selene], The isle of Latmos, shepherds' lord, Endymion

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 9. 2006

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 12. 9. 2006
• Supervisor: Mgr. Lucie Podroužková, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
Teacher Training for Primary Schools / Lower Secondary School Teacher Training in Foreign Languages - English