Influence on Romantic Poets

Definition

The influence on Romantic poets refers to the various intellectual, cultural, and literary forces that shaped the themes, styles, and philosophies of poets during the Romantic era, which spanned from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. This influence encompasses the shift towards individualism, emotion, nature, and rebellion against industrialization that characterized Romantic poetry. Significant figures and movements in earlier literature, such as Samuel Johnson and his literary contributions, played a critical role in setting the stage for Romanticism's emergence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Samuel Johnson's works often focused on human emotions and morality, which resonated with Romantic poets seeking to express personal feelings.
2. Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were influenced by Johnson's ideas about nature as a source of inspiration and reflection.
3. The shift from Enlightenment rationality to Romantic emotionality can be traced back to influences from earlier writers like Johnson, who highlighted the importance of human experience.
4. Johnson's criticism of society and literary standards encouraged future poets to explore themes of rebellion and individuality that defined Romantic literature.
5. The connection between Romanticism and Johnson's emphasis on moral and social critique laid the foundation for poets to address contemporary issues through their work.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Johnson's focus on emotion and morality pave the way for the themes found in Romantic poetry?
  • Samuel Johnson emphasized emotion and morality in his literary contributions, which deeply resonated with the Romantic poets who followed him. His exploration of human feelings laid a foundation that allowed later poets to delve into personal experiences and emotional depth. This shift towards valuing individual sentiment over rational thought helped shape key themes in Romantic poetry, such as the celebration of nature and the complexity of human emotions.
• In what ways did Johnson's critiques of society influence the rebellious spirit seen in Romantic poetry?
  • Johnson's critiques of societal norms and literary conventions encouraged Romantic poets to challenge established traditions. His emphasis on individual experience fostered an environment where poets could express dissent against industrialization and societal constraints. This rebellious spirit is evident in works that question authority and celebrate personal freedom, reflecting a direct lineage from Johnson’s literary critiques to the themes explored by later poets.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Samuel Johnson's literary contributions on the development of Romantic poetry as a genre.
  • Samuel Johnson's literary contributions had a significant impact on the development of Romantic poetry by providing a bridge between Enlightenment ideals and Romantic values. His focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience challenged prevailing rationalist views, allowing subsequent poets to embrace subjectivity and express deep emotional truths. This evolution not only shaped the thematic landscape of Romantic poetry but also inspired a generation of writers to explore complex social issues through their work, ultimately transforming poetry into a vehicle for personal expression and cultural critique.

Related terms

Sentimentalism: A literary movement emphasizing emotion and individual experience, which laid the groundwork for the emotional depth found in Romantic poetry.

Naturalism: A literary approach focusing on the natural world and humanity's connection to it, which influenced Romantic poets’ fascination with nature.

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that emphasizes observation and experience as sources of knowledge, impacting the Romantic emphasis on personal experience and subjective reality.