Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary and philosophical movement that emphasizes emotional experiences and the moral value of feelings. It arose in response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and became prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly during times of social upheaval, such as the Industrial Revolution in Britain. This movement highlighted individual emotions, empathy, and a connection to nature, aiming to evoke compassion and moral reflection amidst the changing societal landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism emerged as a reaction to the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, seeking to restore emotional depth and moral consideration for individuals.
2. Writers like Samuel Richardson and Laurence Sterne used sentimentalism to explore complex human emotions, often focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and morality.
3. The movement encouraged readers to cultivate sympathy for the suffering of others, influencing social reform movements aimed at addressing issues like poverty and workers' rights.
4. Sentimental literature often featured characters who faced moral dilemmas, using their emotional struggles to inspire readers toward compassion and ethical action.
5. While sentimentalism sought to evoke genuine emotional responses, it sometimes faced criticism for being overly melodramatic or for simplifying complex social issues.

Review Questions

• How did sentimentalism respond to the societal changes brought about by industrialization?
  • Sentimentalism emerged as a reaction against the harsh realities of industrialization, which often stripped away individual identities and emotional connections in rapidly changing urban environments. This movement sought to emphasize the importance of feelings, empathy, and personal relationships amidst these social upheavals. By highlighting the emotional experiences of characters in literature, sentimentalism aimed to foster compassion and moral reflection among readers who may have been affected by the dehumanizing aspects of industrial life.
• Discuss how authors used sentimentalism to address moral dilemmas within their works during this period.
  • Authors utilized sentimentalism to delve into complex moral dilemmas faced by their characters, presenting emotional struggles that resonated deeply with readers. By portraying situations that demanded empathy and ethical consideration, these writers encouraged audiences to reflect on their own values and actions. This technique not only made their narratives compelling but also served as a call for social change by inspiring readers to take a stand against injustices highlighted through these heartfelt stories.
• Evaluate the impact of sentimentalism on social reform movements in 19th-century Britain and its legacy in modern literature.
  • Sentimentalism significantly influenced social reform movements in 19th-century Britain by promoting awareness of social issues such as poverty, child labor, and workers' rights through emotionally charged narratives. The movement's emphasis on empathy led many readers to engage with these problems on a personal level, fostering a desire for change. Its legacy continues in modern literature, where emotional authenticity remains a vital component in storytelling, echoing sentimental ideals as writers strive to evoke genuine connections between characters and readers while addressing contemporary social issues.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A literary and artistic movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing individual emotion, nature, and the sublime as a reaction against industrialization and rationalism.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which was a central theme in sentimental literature, encouraging readers to connect with characters' emotional experiences.

Industrialization: The process of transitioning to new manufacturing processes that transformed economies and societies in the 19th century, leading to significant social changes that sentimentalism often addressed.