Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary movement that emphasizes emotion, compassion, and the moral significance of feelings. It emerged in the 18th century, particularly in the development of the novel, where characters' emotional experiences are central to their narratives and are often used to promote social and moral ideals. This focus on feelings over rationality set the stage for a shift in storytelling, moving towards more personal and subjective perspectives in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism played a significant role in shaping early novels by focusing on individual character development and emotional journeys.
2. The movement often highlighted themes such as love, suffering, and redemption, appealing to readers' emotions to provoke empathy and moral reflection.
3. Sentimental novels frequently featured protagonists who faced moral dilemmas, showcasing how emotional responses can lead to ethical choices.
4. This literary trend set a precedent for later movements, including Romanticism, which further explored the depths of human emotion and experience.
5. Critics of sentimentalism argued that it sometimes oversimplified complex emotional experiences, leading to unrealistic portrayals of human behavior.

Review Questions

• How did sentimentalism influence character development in 18th-century novels?
  • Sentimentalism significantly influenced character development by prioritizing emotional depth and personal experiences over mere plot mechanics. Characters were often designed to evoke strong feelings from readers, making their emotional journeys central to the narrative. This focus allowed for more nuanced portrayals of individuals grappling with moral challenges, which added complexity to their development and resonated deeply with readers.
• In what ways did sentimentalism challenge the rationalist ideals of the Enlightenment?
  • Sentimentalism challenged the rationalist ideals of the Enlightenment by shifting the focus from reason and logic to emotion and feeling. While Enlightenment thinkers emphasized rational thought as the basis for understanding human experience, sentimental writers argued that emotions were equally important in shaping moral judgments and social connections. This shift paved the way for a more compassionate view of humanity that valued empathy and emotional truth.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of sentimentalism on contemporary literature and its relevance in today's storytelling.
  • Sentimentalism's impact on contemporary literature can be seen through its emphasis on emotional authenticity and character-driven narratives. Many modern works still rely on emotional engagement to connect with readers, whether through themes of love, loss, or redemption. Additionally, elements like empathy and moral complexity continue to shape storytelling today, highlighting how sentimentalism laid foundational principles that inform character relationships and reader experiences across genres.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing individual emotion, nature, and the sublime as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is a key aspect of sentimentalism as it fosters connections between characters and readers.

Didacticism: A literary approach that aims to teach the reader a lesson or impart moral values, often intertwined with sentimental narratives to emphasize moral emotions.