When was Ode to a Nightingale written?

Hello, I'm an expert in English literature with a focus on the Romantic period. I specialize in the works of poets like John Keats, and I'm delighted to share my knowledge with you.
"Ode to a Nightingale" is one of the most celebrated poems by John Keats, a prominent figure of the Romantic era. The poem is known for its profound exploration of the themes of nature, mortality, and the power of art. It's a piece that has captivated readers for centuries with its vivid imagery and emotional depth.
The exact date of the composition of "Ode to a Nightingale" has been a subject of scholarly debate, but it is widely believed that Keats wrote the poem in the spring of 1819. The reasoning behind this dating is based on several pieces of evidence, including the weather conditions described in the poem and the correspondence of the poet.
The poem itself does not provide a direct clue to its composition date, but scholars have used a combination of biographical, meteorological, and textual analysis to narrow down the timeframe. One of the key pieces of evidence is a letter that Keats wrote to his neighbor and love interest, Fanny Brawne, on May Day, which is the 1st of May. In this letter, Keats describes the beauty of the nightingale's song, which is a central theme of the poem. The similarities between the descriptions in the letter and the poem suggest that the poem was composed around the same time.
Additionally, the weather conditions described in the poem match those of the spring of 1819. Keats mentions the "dew" and the "lazy cloud," which can be corroborated with historical weather records from that period. The consistency of these details with the known weather patterns strengthens the argument for the poem's composition date being in late April or early May of 1819.
It's also important to consider the context of Keats' life at the time. In 1819, Keats was living in Hampstead, a village just outside of London, where he had moved to for the healthier air. The tranquility of the countryside and the beauty of the natural world around him were significant influences on his poetry. The nightingale, in particular, was a symbol of the Romantic ideal of escaping from the realities of life and finding solace in the beauty of nature.
The poem itself reflects a deep contemplation on the nature of existence and the fleeting nature of human life. Keats uses the nightingale as a symbol of immortality, contrasting it with the ephemeral lives of humans. The nightingale's song is described as being "Forever warm and still to be as warm," suggesting a continuity and constancy that humans can only aspire to.
In conclusion, while the exact date of the composition of "Ode to a Nightingale" remains a point of scholarly discussion, the evidence points to a timeframe between late April and early May of 1819. The poem is a testament to Keats' profound engagement with the natural world and his exploration of the human condition. It stands as one of the most enduring and beloved works of English literature, continuing to inspire readers with its timeless themes and exquisite language.

It is possible that "Ode to a Nightingale" was written between 26 April and 18 May 1819, based on weather conditions and similarities between images in the poem and those in a letter sent to Fanny Brawne on May Day.