Jordan Paul 22 May 2003
Boccaccio v Keats
In reading Lisabetta (Boccaccios version) and Isabella (Keats version) it can help us understand Keats intentions, plans and achievements better.
Keats deliberately begins his poem with the lovers, Keats sees the lovers as the main focus and he wants to reinstate their importance. Keats puts effort into portraying the lovers as young and innocent and due to the brothers their relationship is ruined.
‘fair Isabelle, poor simple Isabelle
Lorenzo, a young palmer in loves eye.’ Keats seems to write in such a realistic way, it comes across as autobiographical.
Keats characterises the lovers differently to Boccaccio. In Keats they are shy with each other. ‘So spake they to their pillows.’ ‘I may not speak and yet I will, and tell my love all plain.’ Keats portrays them as being in tune with nature ‘voice pleasanter than the noise of trees of hidden rill’ and ‘Lorenzo is more watchful over her than the falcon.’ The main attraction between the two lovers happens in May/June. These are the summer months when love occurs, and eventually it ‘grew like a lusty flower in Junes caress’ Keats keeps the lovers innocent. In Boccaccio, Lorenzo is experienced ‘he gave up all other amours’ and the lovers quickly slept together ‘each that they most desired’ Keats on the other hand ‘purifies’ the lovers. They keep close company’ in a bower of hyacinth and musk.’ In Keats the brothers notice the love between them ‘found by many signs’ instead of caught popping into each others bedrooms. In Keats they noticed each other all the time. In living in the same house Keats takes trouble over unfolding their frustrations and love, for there is not much they can do (autobiographical). We now start to care about them.
