Born on October 31, 1795, the English Romantic poet, John Keats, was among the main poets of the Romantic Era.  Initially, during his lifetime his poetry was not well received among critics.  But, by the end of the 19th century, his reputation had grown until today he is seen as among one of the most loved of all poets.

As with all Romantic poets, Keats’ poetry is filled with sensual imagery aimed at accentuating extreme emotional responses.  Some of his most acclaimed works include I Stood Tip-Toe Upon A Little Hill, Sleep and Poetry and the sonnet On First Looking Into Chapman’s Homer.  Today on the eve of St. Agnes Day, we will look at his poem, The Eve of St. Agnes.

It is a narrative poem of 42 Spenserian stanzas and is set in the Middle Ages.  The title comes from today the evening before the Feast of Saint Agnes, the patron saint of virgins.  She died a martyr in 4th century Rome.

You may read The Eve of St. Agnes  here:

http://www.bartleby.com/41/534.html

Alternatively, you may listen to this classic poem in an audiobook format here: