Romantic period

Definition

The romantic period refers to a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature as responses to the industrial revolution and the Enlightenment. This era marked a shift from the rationalism of previous periods to a focus on personal experience and imagination, leading to new forms of expression in poetry, prose, and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The romantic period began in the late 18th century, around the 1770s, and lasted until about the 1850s, significantly influencing literature, music, art, and philosophy.
2. Key figures in the romantic movement include poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, who emphasized personal experience and emotional depth in their works.
3. Romanticism reacted against the industrial revolution by highlighting the importance of nature and imagination over industrial progress and rational thought.
4. The movement also promoted an interest in folklore, mythology, and the past, leading to a revival of traditional forms and themes in literature.
5. The romantic period laid the groundwork for modern literature by introducing new narrative techniques and exploring complex human emotions and psychological depth.

Review Questions

• How did individualism shape the themes and characteristics of literature during the romantic period?
  • Individualism was central to the romantic period as it encouraged writers to focus on personal experiences, emotions, and unique perspectives. This shift allowed authors to explore complex characters driven by their inner thoughts and feelings rather than conforming to societal norms. As a result, literary works from this time often delve into themes of self-discovery and personal freedom, reflecting a break from previous conventions.
• Analyze how nature was portrayed in romantic literature and its significance in contrasting with urban life during this period.
  • Nature was often depicted in romantic literature as a sanctuary away from the chaos of industrial society. Poets like Wordsworth celebrated its beauty as a source of inspiration and renewal. This portrayal served not only as an escape from urban life but also highlighted a deep connection between humanity and the natural world. The reverence for nature emphasized a longing for simplicity and authenticity amid rapid industrialization.
• Evaluate the impact of emotional intensity on narrative techniques developed during the romantic period and how it influenced later literary movements.
  • Emotional intensity played a crucial role in shaping narrative techniques during the romantic period by encouraging authors to delve deeply into their characters' psychological landscapes. This focus on profound emotions paved the way for explorations of themes such as existentialism and individual struggle in later movements like modernism. The romantic emphasis on subjective experience influenced subsequent writers to prioritize internal conflict over external action, thus transforming narrative styles in literature for generations to come.

Related terms

Individualism: A key principle of the romantic period that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and the importance of personal freedom and self-expression.

Nature: In romantic literature, nature is often depicted as a source of beauty, inspiration, and a refuge from the constraints of society, reflecting the romantic ideal of connecting with the natural world.

Emotional Intensity: A characteristic of romantic works that showcases strong feelings and emotions, often exploring themes of love, despair, and the sublime.