Reaction Against Romanticism

Definition

The reaction against romanticism refers to a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the ideals of romanticism, emphasizing realism, objectivity, and a focus on everyday life. This movement sought to challenge the emotional intensity and idealization of nature that characterized romantic works, instead promoting a more pragmatic and truthful depiction of human experiences and societal issues. It represented a shift towards portraying reality as it is, highlighting the complexities and struggles of ordinary people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reaction against romanticism emerged as writers and artists began to feel disillusioned with romantic ideals, seeking to portray the real struggles of everyday life.
2. This movement often depicted themes such as social inequality, poverty, and the impact of industrialization on society.
3. Key figures in this movement included authors like Gustave Flaubert, Leo Tolstoy, and Henry James, who focused on character development and realistic plots.
4. The shift towards realism involved abandoning the grandiose themes and heightened emotions typical of romantic works in favor of more grounded narratives.
5. This reaction laid the groundwork for modernist literature by challenging previous norms and exploring new narrative techniques.

Review Questions

• How did the reaction against romanticism influence the themes presented in realist literature?
  • The reaction against romanticism shifted the focus in literature from grand emotional themes and idealized characters to more relatable and gritty depictions of everyday life. Realist authors began to explore themes such as social justice, moral dilemmas, and the struggles faced by ordinary people. This influence marked a significant departure from romantic ideals, encouraging a more critical examination of society.
• In what ways did naturalism expand upon the principles established by the reaction against romanticism?
  • Naturalism took the foundational ideas established by the reaction against romanticism further by introducing a deterministic perspective on human behavior. While realism focused on representing life accurately, naturalism emphasized that characters are shaped by their environment, heredity, and social circumstances. This approach often resulted in narratives that illustrated how external factors influence individual choices, leading to a more scientific exploration of human existence.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the reaction against romanticism on subsequent literary movements.
  • The reaction against romanticism had a profound and lasting impact on literature by paving the way for modernist movements that questioned traditional storytelling techniques. It encouraged writers to break away from established norms, leading to innovative narrative styles and themes that explored existential questions and fragmented realities. The emphasis on realism inspired future authors to depict societal issues with honesty and complexity, shaping the evolution of 20th-century literature and continuing to influence contemporary works.

Related terms

Realism:

A literary movement that began in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness.

Naturalism:

An extension of realism that emphasizes a deterministic view of human behavior, suggesting that environment, heredity, and social conditions shape individuals.

Victorian Literature: A period of English literature during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) known for its focus on moral values, social issues, and realistic character development.