by John Keats 1848

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" by John Keats.

John Keats (1795-1821) was an English Romantic poet whose reputation grew after his death. This poem, though written in 1818, was first published posthumously in 1848. In it, a speaker shares desires for the future as well as fears.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Death and Fear & Paranoia as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How does fear drive action?" and "How do people face death?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this poem at home:
    • What was "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" about?
    • What did you learn about Death?
    • What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
  • Watch What Is The Greatest Honor? at home with your child.