The Mask of Fanny Brawne - A Two-Act Play Based on the Life of John Keats

Abstract

Two years ago, I read a brief biographical introduction to a book of criticism on Keats. I was fascinated, not so much by the development of Keats' poetical skills, but by the sheer melodrama of his life - his father's death, his mother's prompt remarriage and the Freudian speculation about John's feelings towards his mother, the strange romance with Fanny Brawne, the sudden burst of brilliant poetry and, finally, the disease the killed most of his family, including himself at age 25. It immediately seemed to me that this story had all the makings of a great play. After all, I had planned to write a full-length play for my creative thesis and by writing a biographical play about a major literary figure, I could also utilize my ability as an English major to understand and interpret great writings.