Introduction to the Romantic Period (late 18th to early 19th century)
Romanticism was a cultural movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It appeared as a reaction to enlightenment and “rationalism”. It embraced emotion, nature and individualism. It focused on personal expression as it rejected classical forms. It affected literature, art and human experience
Characteristics of Romanticism:
Emphasis on Emotion; meaning that feelings and emotions come before reason and logic
Connection to Nature: Nature was a source of inspiration and a way to express the inner mindfulness
Individualism: meaning embracing the individual’s experience, imagination, beliefs and sense of creativity.
Rejection of Old conventions: Rejecting traditional rules, rooting for freedom of expression and experimentation.
Interest in the Supernatural and the Mystical: exploration of what is seen as mysterious and supernatural through gothic themes, folklore and sublime.
Critique of Industrialization: expressing thoughts and fears about urbanization and the perilous loss of natural imagery.
Nationalism and Political idealism: supporting nationalist movements and displaying political idealism in order to reach individual and collective freedom all along
Emphasis on the exotic: Displaying exoticism and diversity in culture by paying attention to strange and distant lands/nations
Historical Context:
Romanticism began around 1798 and lasted until 1837. The era was characterized by political and economic changes that had a great influence on the period and numerous writers (like the impact of the French Revolution).
During this period there were many social changes. For example, at this time, there were calls for the abolition of slavery that grew and many people spoke out publicly against this matter.
After the Agricultural Revolution, people moved from rural areas and farmlands to cities. Industrial Revolution created jobs and innovation in technology spread across America in the 19th century.
Romanticism was a reaction to the spread of industrialism, but it was, as well, sort of a critique of the political and social norms established by the aristocrats as it was a call for greater concern for nature .
Although writers belonging to this period did not really consider themselves romantics, they were later classified as such by Victorian writers because of their ability to capture human emotions and tenderness rather than pure reason and logical views of their surroundings
Influential Romantic poets and writers
First generation poets
William Blake (1757-1827)
William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)
Second generation poets
Lord George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)
John Keats (1795- 1821)
Along with the basic characteristics of Romanticism:
The first generation focused on common life and gave importance to imagination (Rime of the ancient Mariner for an example). Simple Language was used to convey thoughts.
The second generation embraced the idea of the poet as a rebel (example; die young, away from home and fight for what you think is right). There was emphasis on the intricacy of language.
Examples of Romantic works (poetry, prose, art)
· Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge (1798) Celebrating the beauty of the country side
· The Rime of the Ancient Mariner with themes of guilt and redemption
· Don Juan by Lord Byron who writes with themes of Individualism, rebellion and the exploration of human passions.
Romanticism in Great Britain represented a shift in artistic and literary sensibilities, emphasizing the importance of emotions, nature, and the imagination it was a response to the changing social and political landscape of the time and continues to be celebrated for its exploration of human experience and creativity
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