English Romantic Poets You Must Read – a list

Before I start with romantic poetry, let’s discuss reading books and their benefits first. I am a huge fan of reading books. Reading can take you on a journey, no matter where you are. A good book can transport you to different worlds, and help you experience a whole new level of emotions. I especially love reading poetry books. I find that the beauty of words and the way they interact with each other helps me to better understand and appreciate life. And there, I love reading romantic English poets a lot!

Romantic poems are special because they express the deep emotions of love and romance in a way that speaks directly to the heart. They often contain beautiful words that evoke powerful feelings of passion and longing, and they can be used to express one’s deepest thoughts and feelings. Romantic poems can also be used to create a special and meaningful connection between two people, as they are often filled with references to shared experiences, memories, and dreams. Nevertheless, romantic poetry has a broad connotation in English literature. One cannot limit it to the connection between two people! It is about life, aspects of life, nature, emotions, feelings, response to any natural incident and so on and so forth!

When it comes to romantic poetry, how can Shakespeare stay apart from the conversation? He means poetry to many readers around the world. There are many reasons! I absolutely love Shakespeare’s poetry! His work has been an inspiration to many writers throughout the years, and I particularly enjoy the way he intertwines themes of love, loss, and tragedy. His words are so vivid and powerful, they are sure to evoke a range of emotions in any reader. Though not romantic in the strict connotations, Shakespeare stands apart from others in many ways he construes life and aspects of human misery!

Shakespeare and his buddies, in the Elizabethan age, touched the hearts of poetry readers. Elizabethan sonnets are some of the most beautiful and timeless pieces of literature. They are composed of fourteen lines and follow a rhyme scheme that is both intricate and captivating. The themes of love, nature, and mortality are often explored, and the imagery and symbolism used to convey these themes can be quite powerful. While the structure and rhythm of Elizabethan sonnets can be challenging to master, the end result can be quite beautiful and rewarding. You can read Marlowe, Wyatt and Surrey, Spenser, Michael Drayton, and Philip Sidney. You will certainly love their romantic verses.

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Looking for the Elizabethan flavour but in a little modern verse? Then, you should be looking at the poets who wrote in the so-called Romantic Age of English literature. And Wordsworth? Absolutely! William Wordsworth is one of the most iconic poets in the English language and his works are still relevant today. Reading his poems is a great way to get an insight into the Romantic period and to appreciate the beauty of the language he used. Whether you are an experienced reader of poetry or a novice, Wordsworth’s poetry is sure to be both enjoyable and informative.

And for those who want to pair their readings in Wordsworth with other contemporaries, Keats and Shelley should be the ideal heroes. John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley are two of the most iconic Romantic poets of the 19th century. Keats’ poems often explore beauty, love, and death. His work is characterized by vivid imagery, passionate emotion, and a keen eye for detail. Shelley’s poetry often focuses on the power of nature and the individual’s place within it. He is known for his use of poetic symbols and his exploration of the human experience and its connection to the natural world. Both poets are known for their lyrical, musical language and their ability to create vibrant imagery through their words.

Looking for a poet from the Romantic Age in English literature but with a little distinct approach from Wordsworth, Shelley and Keats? I would recommend reading Lord Byron then. Byron’s poetry is some of the most beautiful and captivating in English literature. His works are known for their intensity and emotion and the vast range of topics he covers, from the political to the personal. His use of vivid imagery and clever wordplay make his poems a pleasure to read. His style is often seen as romantic and evocative, and his legacy still resonates today. Read Don Juan or the shorter poems by him. You are going to love his style!

And at last, I cannot keep Samuel Taylor Coleridge away from this discourse for long! Coleridge’s poems are known for their vivid imagery, powerful emotion, and thoughtful musings on life and nature. His work often draws on elements of the supernatural and the metaphysical, playing with the idea of our limited understanding of the universe. His language is often poetic, using vivid metaphors and symbolism to create a unique and captivating atmosphere. Coleridge’s poetic style is often characterized by its vivid imagery and expressive language. He often used metaphors and allegories to explore complex ideas and emotions. His use of rhythm and rhyme helped bring his poems to life, creating a powerful and evocative atmosphere. In addition, Coleridge’s poems often explore themes of morality, spirituality, and humanity, making them thought-provoking and timeless.