Romanticism is a movement that began in Europe during the late 18th century. It is marked by a significant emphasis on nature, the significance of expressing personal emotions and imagination, a deviation from classical attitudes and forms, as well as a defiance against established social rules and conventions. Numerous poets during the late 18th and early 19th century, including Jonathan Keats, embraced romanticism’s concept and composed poems with romantic themes. One of Keats’ renowned works delving into this theme is called Endymion.
Keats composed the epic poem ‘Endymion’ from 1817 to 1818, drawing inspiration from Greek Mythology. The narrative revolves around a youthful shepherd named Endymion, but its primary emphasis lies on the exploration of Nature and its connection to human emotions. Additionally, the poem extensively explores the themes of natural religion, as well as the significance of innate talent and imagination.
In ‘Endymion’, Keats also has a tendency to elevate specific individuals. The poem is separated into four books, with each book focusing on these themes to varying degrees. Book 1 is the longest book, therefore it covers more of the themes than the others. As a result, the reader is able to fully grasp what can be anticipated in the entire poem, allowing them to be prepared and influenced by their thoughts and impressions throughout the poem.
Book 1 introduces with a portrayal of nature, which may seem unrelated to the poem’s story but serves to put both the reader and the author in a positive and pleasant state of mind. The journey of Endymion commences with a pastoral setting; ‘upon the sides of Latmos was outspread a might forest; for the moist earth fed so plenteously all weed-hidden roots into o’er-hanging boughs and precious fruits’. This characteristic feature can be seen in romantic poems, where there is abundant elaboration on the natural environment combined with optimistic and visually appealing descriptions. The scene then progresses to a festive event and offering at a temple dedicated to the Greek God Pan, and simultaneously incorporates nature into the scene, thereby establishing the theme of natural religion.
The scene in Keats’ ‘Endymion’ effectively portrays the simplicity and uncivilized lifestyle associated with Romanticism. Keats specifically focuses on shepherds, who are typically associated with less developed times and settings, thereby emphasizing the story’s simpler era. Within the group of shepherds, one man named Endymion is greatly praised by Keats, being elevated above his peers and even compared to Ganymede, the exceptionally beautiful boy taken by Zeus to serve as cup bearer to the Gods. This tendency to glorify an individual is another characteristic of a Romantic poet and is prevalent throughout ‘Endymion’.
In Book 1 of the text, the young shepherd Endymion is visited in his dream by Cynthia, who is also known as Diane or Selene and is the Goddess of the moon. Keats effectively conveys the characters’ emotions through the use of nature-based moods. For instance, the quote “O magic sleep! O comfortable bird, that broodest o’er the troubled sea of the mind” illustrates how Endymion’s sleep helped him understand his turbulent thoughts. Endymion dreams about Cynthia a few more times before realizing he is in love with her. He describes this love using positive natural imagery, such as when he mentions a ring dove dropping a sprig of yew tree in his path. This aesthetic imagery enhances readers’ understanding of Endymion’s experience. Furthermore, Love plays a significant role in romanticism as it represents human spontaneity of thought and action.
In book 2 of Endymion, the character of Endymion seizes the moment and embarks on a quest to locate his beloved Cynthia. This act of sudden decision-making is reminiscent of how romantic poets deviated from classicalism to embrace romanticism, aiming for a fresh style of writing. The impulsive nature displayed by Endymion aligns with the trademark spontaneity found in the poetry and characters created by romantic poets. The second book of the poem highlights Endymion’s journey as he searches for his loved one, encountering the God Adonis and Goddess Venus along the way. Both divine figures offer encouragement to Endymion, motivating him to persist in his search, assuring him that he will ultimately find what he seeks.
Keats demonstrates his talent to the reader by using nature to elevate the Gods and by connecting nature with religion. In Endymion, the protagonist comes across the river God Alphaeus and the Nymph Arethusa, who appear discontent. In a prayer to Dian, he requests that they find happiness in blissful fields, and as a result, Arethusa transports him to the sea to enable his onward journey. This occurrence serves as another instance of natural religion, highlighting the symbolic representation of Alphaeus as the deity controlling the river’s natural forces.
In Book three, Endymion carries on his journey to meet Selene. Keats once again employs the power of nature to reflect the emotions felt by Endymion, enabling the reader to better understand and relate to him. During his expedition, Endymion crosses paths with Glaucus, a sea god, who shares his own tale of being a humble fisherman surrounded by untamed nature but feeling unsatisfied.
This relates to one of Keats’ letters where he describes a ‘Pleasure Thermometer’ which indicates that an individual can experience three levels of happiness. The initial level involves a fondness for nature. The next level encompasses the affection exchanged between two friends, while the ultimate level consists of the unrestrained passion shared between two individuals who are enamored with each other. As Glaucus solely possessed an appreciation for nature, his happiness was limited, compelling him to impulsively seek a romantic connection with someone.
Regrettably, Glaucus’s tale concludes unhappily, leaving him unable to achieve his aspirations. He cautions Endymion about the possibility of encountering a similar fate. In the fourth book, Endymion persists in his quest for Cynthia. Within this section lies a song titled the Indian Maid’s Roundelay, performed by an Indian Maid whom Endymion encounters. Through this song, Nature becomes a medium for expressing the emotions experienced by the Indian Maid.
After listening to her song, Endymion despairs over the possibility that he may never find his beloved Selene and wishes for death, using nature as a metaphor for his emotions. For instance, he expresses, “Night will scatter leaves on the damp grass, and with them shall I perish.” Keats employs this comparison between death in nature and Endymion’s desire to die in order to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of his despair. As Endymion confides in his sister about his hopelessness, his beloved Cynthia suddenly appears before him and declares that his journey has come to an end.
The poem ‘Endymion’ concludes with Endymion and Cynthia disappearing together, having achieved the ultimate happiness. This idyllic ending is characteristic of romantic poetry, leaving the reader with a sense of contentment. In summary, the themes and ideas explored in ‘Endymion’ align with those typically found in Romantic literature. Keats employs Romanticism to enhance the reader’s enjoyment and emotional connection to the poem, establishing ‘Endymion’ as a notable example of Romanticism’s triumph.
