Sensibility

Definition

Sensibility refers to the capacity to perceive and respond to emotional experiences, emphasizing feelings and empathy over rational thought. It became particularly significant in the 18th century, often associated with the heightened awareness of human emotions and a profound appreciation for nature and beauty, influencing literature and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sensibility was closely tied to the emerging Romantic movement, which valued emotional depth and personal experience in literature.
2. The exploration of sensibility can be seen in various forms of literature, including poetry and novels, where characters often experience intense emotional responses.
3. In poetry, sensibility allowed for innovative lyrical expressions that connected personal feelings with universal themes, reflecting an individual's inner life.
4. Writers such as William Collins employed sensibility in their odes, using rich imagery and emotive language to evoke strong feelings in readers.
5. Sensibility contributed to a shift in literary focus from rigid forms and structures to more fluid expressions of emotion and individual experience.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of sensibility influence the themes and styles found in literature during its peak?
  • Sensibility had a profound impact on literature by shifting focus toward emotional depth and personal experiences. This influence is evident in the works of poets and novelists who embraced rich imagery and emotive language, allowing readers to connect with characters' inner lives. The result was a new lyrical style that celebrated individual feelings, ultimately paving the way for the Romantic movement.
• In what ways did William Collins incorporate elements of sensibility into his odes, and how did this reflect broader literary innovations at the time?
  • William Collins' odes exemplify sensibility through their rich emotional content and vivid imagery that evoke feelings of beauty and melancholy. He used innovative lyrical techniques to express deep emotional responses to nature and human experience. Collins' approach reflected a broader literary innovation by prioritizing personal expression and emotional resonance over conventional poetic forms.
• Evaluate the significance of sensibility in shaping modern understandings of emotion in literature and its lasting impact on subsequent literary movements.
  • Sensibility played a crucial role in shaping modern understandings of emotion within literature by foregrounding individual feelings and empathy. This focus laid the groundwork for subsequent movements like Romanticism, which further explored themes of emotion, nature, and individuality. The legacy of sensibility persists today, influencing contemporary literature's exploration of psychological depth and emotional complexity, highlighting its importance in evolving literary expression.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, often seen as a key component of sensibility.

The Sublime: Aesthetic quality that inspires a sense of awe or wonder, often linked to nature's beauty and power, which sensibility seeks to appreciate.