Poetry of sensibility

Definition

Poetry of sensibility refers to a literary movement characterized by an emphasis on emotional experience and the importance of feeling in human life. This type of poetry often explores themes of nature, individualism, and the depth of human emotions, reflecting a shift towards personal expression and the value of sensitivity in understanding the world. This movement laid the groundwork for later Romantic poets, who would further explore these themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The poetry of sensibility emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, coinciding with changes in social attitudes towards emotion and nature.
2. James Thomson's 'The Seasons' is a key example of poetry of sensibility, as it intertwines personal feelings with descriptions of nature's beauty.
3. This poetry often reacts against the rigid forms and conventions of earlier poetic traditions, favoring free verse and more fluid expressions.
4. The themes explored in poetry of sensibility paved the way for later Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge, who expanded on the focus of emotion and individual experience.
5. The movement often emphasizes the connection between humanity and nature, suggesting that sensitivity to the natural world can lead to deeper emotional understanding.

Review Questions

• How does James Thomson's 'The Seasons' embody the characteristics of poetry of sensibility?
  • 'The Seasons' exemplifies poetry of sensibility through its vivid imagery and emotional depth. Thomson uses nature as a backdrop for personal reflection, allowing readers to connect with both his feelings and the changing seasons. The poem highlights the relationship between human emotion and the natural world, showcasing how sensitivity to one can enhance understanding of the other.
• In what ways does poetry of sensibility differ from previous poetic movements, particularly in terms of emotional expression?
  • Poetry of sensibility marks a departure from earlier poetic movements that often prioritized formal structure and rationality. Unlike neoclassical poetry, which focused on reason and decorum, this movement embraces emotional expression and personal experience. This shift allows poets to explore themes like love, loss, and nature with greater authenticity and vulnerability, leading to a more intimate connection with readers.
• Evaluate the impact of poetry of sensibility on subsequent literary movements, especially Romanticism.
  • Poetry of sensibility significantly influenced Romanticism by laying the groundwork for its core themes of emotion and individualism. The focus on deep feeling in works like 'The Seasons' encouraged later poets to embrace their personal experiences and forge connections with nature. This movement also helped shift literary norms towards valuing subjective experience over objective analysis, ultimately shaping the landscape of 19th-century literature and paving the way for greater explorations of self and nature in Romantic works.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, emerging as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Sentimentalism:

A literary style that places a strong emphasis on emotion and the capacity for deep feeling, often leading to a moral or social critique.

Nature Poetry:

Poetry that focuses on the beauty and power of the natural world, often reflecting the poet's feelings and relationship with nature.