Keats and eternity

100% of 100

In the house where many of them were written, we will explore why Keats’s poems are regarded as exceptionally beautiful. How did he achieve this? We will see that it wasn’t luck or simply inspiration, but the result of choices which reflect important aspects of Keats’ personality. Includes ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, Ode to a Grecian Urn’ and ‘To Autumn’.This course will take place at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, London...

Read more
Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 05 Jun 2027
    End Date: 05 Jun 2027
    Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 16:00
    In Person
    Location: Off Site
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: HLT288
    Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00
    Add to Wish List

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
246666
Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00

What is the course about?

We will read and discuss some of the Odes, sonnets and other poems, and some extracts from Keats’s letters. We will explore how Keats set out to write poems which create a sense of eternity by reaching out in time (Grecian Urn) or space (Chapman’s Homer) or relating poetry to music (Nightingale), the processes of nature (Autumn) and the rich traditions of the English language (all).

What will we cover?

We will discuss why so many of Keats' longer poems focus on Classical or Romantic myths and legends, and how these are used to express sexual desire in acceptable ways for the time. Overall, we will consider how his mature poems, written in the house where the course is held, reflect Keats’ awareness of the impermanence of life, including his own, and his wish for lasting fame.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Better understand why many of Keats’ poems are regarded as exceptionally beautiful
- Understand how and why Keats achieved this
- Enjoy reading and discussing some very fine poems.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will be interested in poetry and in Keats. No particular knowledge or skills are needed.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The session is run in a seminar style with all students invited to read poems if they wish and take part in discussions led by the tutor. You will receive the materials several days beforehand so you can read them and be ready to discuss them.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other costs. Photocopies of the poems will be provided at the beginning of the session. Please bring writing materials.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Look for other Poetry courses in our Literature programme at Culture, History and Humanities/Literature/Poetry at www.citylit.ac.uk.

Alexander Fairbairn-Dixon
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.