Here's why:
* The Romantic Era: This era in English literature spanned roughly from 1798 to 1837. It's difficult to pinpoint exact "early" and "late" periods because the movement was dynamic and evolving.
* Keats: He was born in 1795 and died in 1821, making him closer to the later part of the Romantic period. His works, like "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Endymion", embody many core Romantic themes like beauty, nature, and the power of imagination. However, he died young and didn't live to see the full evolution of the movement.
* Shelley: She was born in 1797 and died in 1851. Her most famous work, "Frankenstein," was published in 1818. She was active throughout the Romantic era, writing both poetry and prose. Her works are known for their exploration of dark and Gothic themes, which some consider to be a shift away from the earlier Romantic focus on beauty and idealism.
In Conclusion:
* Both Keats and Shelley were prominent Romantic writers, but it's not accurate to call them "early" Romantic writers. They represent different facets of the movement and its evolution.
* Keats's work aligns more with the later Romantic period, focusing on beauty and individualism.
* Shelley's writing reflects a transition within Romanticism, exploring darker themes and challenging societal norms.
To truly understand their contributions, it's essential to examine their works and the context in which they were written.