Emotion recollected in tranquility

Definition

Emotion recollected in tranquility is a concept that refers to the idea of reflecting on past emotions and experiences after a period of calm and contemplation. This process allows for a more profound understanding and articulation of feelings, leading to deeper insights in artistic expression. The Romantic poets particularly emphasized this approach, highlighting how the reflection on intense emotions, when viewed from a place of tranquility, can yield more powerful and authentic creative works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'emotion recollected in tranquility' is most closely associated with William Wordsworth, who articulated this idea in his Preface to the Lyrical Ballads.
2. This concept suggests that true artistic expression comes from processing and reflecting on emotions after an emotional experience has passed.
3. Romantic poets believed that the initial emotional intensity might be too overwhelming to express clearly, thus requiring a period of calm for thoughtful reflection.
4. Wordsworth's approach contrasts with the idea of writing poetry solely based on raw emotion without reflection, emphasizing artistry over spontaneity.
5. This reflective process ultimately aims to elevate personal feelings into universal truths that resonate with others, showcasing the balance between emotion and thought.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of 'emotion recollected in tranquility' differentiate between immediate emotional expression and reflective artistic creation?
  • 'Emotion recollected in tranquility' highlights the difference by suggesting that immediate emotional reactions may lack clarity and depth. Instead of expressing raw feelings on impulse, the concept encourages poets to take time to reflect on these feelings after experiencing them. This reflection allows for a more nuanced understanding and articulation of emotions, which can lead to more powerful and resonant poetry that connects with readers on a deeper level.
• Discuss how the idea of 'emotion recollected in tranquility' relates to the Romantic emphasis on individual experience and imagination.
  • 'Emotion recollected in tranquility' is closely tied to the Romantic belief in the importance of individual experience as a source of inspiration. Romantic poets valued personal feelings and imagination as central to their work. By advocating for reflection after experiencing intense emotions, they believed artists could transform personal insights into universal themes. This connection emphasizes how individual experiences can resonate with broader human emotions when articulated thoughtfully.
• Evaluate the implications of 'emotion recollected in tranquility' for understanding the evolution of poetic forms and themes during the Romantic period.
  • 'Emotion recollected in tranquility' significantly influenced how poets approached their craft during the Romantic period. By prioritizing reflective thought over immediate emotional expression, poets began to evolve their forms and themes to emphasize deeper meanings behind their feelings. This shift led to a richer exploration of complex emotions and experiences within their works, allowing for innovative structures and stylistic choices that reflected both personal introspection and universal truths. The evolution ultimately marked a distinct departure from earlier poetic traditions focused solely on immediate sentiment.

Related terms

Sublime: Aesthetic quality that inspires awe or wonder, often associated with nature's grandeur and the power of human emotions.

Imagination: The faculty of the mind that forms new ideas or images, playing a critical role in the Romantic emphasis on personal experience and emotion.

Spontaneity: The quality of being spontaneous or natural, often celebrated by Romantic poets as essential to genuine artistic expression.