Harmonizing Two Horizons: Literature and Medicine in Poetry of John Keats

Abstract

Literature reflects life experiences and emotions, offering insight into society and suggesting ways to improve it.Writers should skillfully depict their society's reality and guide it towards higher ideals and greater compassion. They often delve into various aspects of human health and medical practices, considering biological, socioeconomic, and cultural dimensions. The interdisciplinary study of literature and medicine highlights literature's role at the crossroads of humanities, medicine, and social sciences. In portraying health conditions, writers demonstrate their awareness of societal issues and their dedication to societal and human betterment, especially given the prevalence of illness and medical encounters in our society. The intricate web woven between literature and medicine has yielded fascinating insights into the human condition, illuminating both the physiological and emotional facets of existence. This nexus, often overlooked, finds a remarkably harmonious embodiment in the poetry of John Keats, a remarkable literary figure whose legacy extends beyond his verses and delves into his experiences as a trained surgeon's apprentice. This introductory section seeks to shed light on the significance of investigating the confluence of literature and medicine in Keats' poetry and the unique insights this union brings to the fore. This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between literature and medicine within the poetry of John Keats. It examines how Keats intricately weaved elements of medical knowledge and human experience into his poetic works. The paper explores how Keats's exposure to medical training and his poetic vision converged, resulting in a unique perspective that resonates through his portrayal of characters and themes in his poetry. By investigating Keats's engagement with both medical knowledge and artistic expression, this paper seeks to shed light on the ways in which literature and medicine harmonized in his creative process.