JOURNAL ARTICLE

Anti-Abolitionism, US-Southern Writers, & the "Negatively Capable" Poet John Keats.

  • Published In: ELH, 2025, v. 92, n. 1. P. 119 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Johnson, Amanda Louise 3 of 3

Abstract

The article explores the concept of "negative capability" attributed to poet John Keats, examining its origins and implications. It delves into the controversy surrounding the authenticity of Keats's writings, particularly in relation to US-Southern writers who promoted an image of Keats as apolitical and amoral. The text highlights how Keats's image was shaped by Southern writers to align with their own agendas, emphasizing an escapist poetics that prioritized beauty over moral considerations. The article raises questions about the influence of antebellum-Southern values on the reception and interpretation of Keats's work, shedding light on the intersection of literature, politics, and cultural identity. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:ELH. 2025/03, Vol. 92, Issue 1, p119
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0013-8304
  • DOI:10.1353/elh.2025.a954018
  • Accession Number:183843276
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