## 4b. Introduction

The second generation of British Romantic poets, also known as the "Younger Romantics," emerged in the early 19th century and played a significant role in the Romantic literary movement. This group of poets included Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. While both first and second-generation Romantic poets shared a love for nature, a fascination with the human imagination, and a rejection of Enlightenment rationalism, the second generation was characterized by a more rebellious and politically engaged spirit, a greater emphasis on individualism, and a willingness to explore darker and more introspective themes in their poetry.Tragically, all three poets died at a young age, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to influence literature and thought to this day.

## The Poets: Byron, Shelley and Keats

1. Lord Byron (1788-1824): Byron was a flamboyant and controversial figure known for his passionate and rebellious poetry. His works often explored themes of individualism, freedom, and the dark side of human nature. Some of his most famous works include "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" and "Don Juan."

2. Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822): Shelley was a radical thinker and poet whose writing reflected his progressive ideals. He addressed themes like social justice, political reform, and the power of the imagination. Notable works include "Ozymandias," "Prometheus Unbound," and "To a Skylark."

3. John Keats (1795-1821): Keats is renowned for his lyrical and sensuous poetry, which often celebrated the beauty of nature and the intensity of human emotions. His poems, such as "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," and "To Autumn," are considered some of the finest in the English language.