Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary and cultural movement that emphasizes emotion, feeling, and individual experience over rational thought. It emerged in the 18th century as a response to the Enlightenment's focus on reason and science, often portraying the depth of human emotion and the complexities of moral sentiments. This movement significantly influenced Romanticism, highlighting the importance of personal feelings and connections to nature, ultimately shaping how literature engaged with social and political issues globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism emerged as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, seeking to express deeper emotional truths.
2. Key works of sentimental literature often focus on themes of compassion, love, and moral integrity, appealing directly to the reader's emotions.
3. Sentimentalism laid the groundwork for Romanticism by promoting the importance of individual feelings and experiences as sources of inspiration for art and literature.
4. The movement contributed to social reform efforts in various societies, as writers used emotional appeals to advocate for change regarding issues like slavery and women's rights.
5. Notable authors associated with sentimentalism include Laurence Sterne and Samuel Richardson, whose works depicted complex characters grappling with intense emotions.

Review Questions

• How did sentimentalism challenge the rationalist views of the Enlightenment, and what impact did this have on literary expression?
  • Sentimentalism challenged rationalist views by prioritizing emotional experience over logical reasoning. This shift allowed writers to explore deeper human connections and moral dilemmas in their narratives. As a result, literature became more focused on personal experiences and emotional depth, influencing subsequent movements like Romanticism that further embraced these ideals.
• In what ways did sentimentalism influence social reform movements during its peak, and can you provide examples?
  • Sentimentalism played a vital role in social reform by using emotional storytelling to highlight social injustices. For example, authors like Harriet Beecher Stowe used sentimentality in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' to evoke empathy for enslaved individuals, galvanizing public opinion against slavery. This emotional appeal was effective in rallying support for various causes, including women's rights and abolition.
• Critically analyze how sentimentalism has shaped modern literature and its relevance today in portraying human emotions.
  • Sentimentalism has profoundly shaped modern literature by embedding the exploration of human emotions into narrative structures. Today, many contemporary works still emphasize emotional authenticity and character depth, reflecting personal experiences that resonate with readers. This ongoing relevance suggests that while narrative forms may evolve, the core principles of sentimentalism—connecting through emotion—continue to be vital in storytelling across genres.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is often a central theme in sentimental literature.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that arose in the late 18th century, valuing emotion, individualism, and nature, heavily influenced by sentimentalist ideas.

Melodrama: A dramatic work that exaggerates emotions and appeals strongly to the audience's feelings, often a result of sentimental influences in literature and theater.