The supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that exist beyond the laws of nature and are often attributed to divine forces or magical influences. In the context of Romantic philosophy and aesthetics, the supernatural plays a crucial role in exploring themes of imagination, emotion, and the sublime, as it challenges rational thought and invites deeper introspection about existence and the unknown.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The supernatural was often used by Romantic writers as a way to express complex emotions and explore the limits of human understanding.
2. Romantic philosophy viewed the supernatural as a means to connect with deeper truths about existence that could not be grasped through reason alone.
3. In art and literature, supernatural elements often served to evoke feelings of awe and mystery, enhancing the emotional depth of the work.
4. Many Romantic poets and authors drew inspiration from folklore and mythology, infusing their works with supernatural characters and events to engage readers’ imaginations.
5. The fascination with the supernatural during this period was partly a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, as people sought to reconnect with the mysteries of life.

Review Questions

• How did Romantic writers use the supernatural to challenge Enlightenment ideals?
  • Romantic writers utilized the supernatural as a means to counter Enlightenment ideals that emphasized reason and logic. By incorporating mystical elements into their works, they invited readers to embrace emotion and imagination, which they believed were equally valid ways of understanding the world. This shift allowed them to explore themes beyond mere rationality, delving into the mysterious aspects of human existence that science could not explain.
• Discuss the role of the sublime in Romantic aesthetics and its connection to supernatural themes.
  • The sublime played a significant role in Romantic aesthetics as it represented experiences that elicited feelings of overwhelming awe and terror, often associated with nature's grandeur or supernatural occurrences. This concept linked closely to supernatural themes because both sought to evoke intense emotional responses. Romantic artists and poets aimed to capture these feelings in their work, portraying landscapes or scenarios that transcended ordinary experience and invited contemplation of the vast unknown.
• Evaluate the impact of folklore on Romantic literature's treatment of the supernatural and how it reflected societal changes during that period.
  • Folklore significantly impacted Romantic literature's portrayal of the supernatural by providing rich narratives and characters that resonated with cultural identities. As society faced rapid changes due to industrialization and urbanization, these tales offered a refuge into a world where magic still existed. By integrating folklore into their works, Romantic writers created a dialogue between tradition and modernity, highlighting humanity's longing for connection with nature and deeper spiritual truths amidst a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

sublime: A concept in aesthetics that describes experiences of awe or grandeur, often evoked by nature or the supernatural, that transcend ordinary understanding.

gothic literature: A genre that combines horror and romance, featuring supernatural elements, dark settings, and complex emotional states, often reflecting societal anxieties.

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often incorporating supernatural themes to challenge Enlightenment rationality.