Romantic criticism

Definition

Romantic criticism is an evaluative approach to literature that emerged during the Romantic movement, emphasizing the importance of individual emotion, imagination, and nature over reason and traditional forms. This perspective values personal expression and the subjective experience of both the author and reader, shaping how literary works are interpreted. The rise of romantic criticism marked a shift away from rigid classical standards and encouraged a more emotional, intuitive approach to literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romantic criticism emerged in the late 18th century and became prominent in the early 19th century as part of the broader Romantic movement across Europe.
2. It is characterized by an emphasis on emotion, individual experience, and the value of nature, often contrasting with Enlightenment ideals focused on reason and logic.
3. Prominent figures such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats contributed significantly to the development of romantic criticism through their works and critical essays.
4. Romantic criticism often celebrates the artist's unique vision and the transformative power of art, asserting that literature should evoke emotional responses in readers.
5. This approach influenced not only poetry but also prose and criticism itself, paving the way for modern literary theories that prioritize personal interpretation.

Review Questions

• How does romantic criticism differ from earlier literary theories that focused on reason and classical standards?
  • Romantic criticism distinguishes itself by prioritizing individual emotion and imagination over traditional reasoning and classical aesthetics. While earlier theories emphasized adherence to strict forms and logical coherence, romantic criticism encourages a personal connection to literature. This shift allowed for a greater appreciation of subjective experiences and the exploration of themes like nature's beauty and human emotion, which became central to Romantic writers' works.
• In what ways did Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work exemplify the principles of romantic criticism?
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work exemplified romantic criticism through his focus on imagination and emotional depth in poetry. His collaboration with William Wordsworth on 'Lyrical Ballads' highlighted the importance of natural imagery and individual experience. Additionally, Coleridge's concept of 'suspension of disbelief' in literary enjoyment illustrates how he valued reader engagement with emotional truth over rational critique. His philosophical writings also reflect a deep exploration of human emotions as fundamental to understanding literature.
• Evaluate the impact of romantic criticism on modern literary interpretation and its relevance today.
  • Romantic criticism has significantly impacted modern literary interpretation by promoting the idea that personal experience shapes understanding. This emphasis on subjectivity paved the way for various contemporary theories, such as reader-response theory, which holds that meaning is created through interaction between text and reader. The continued relevance of romantic criticism today can be seen in how literature is taught and discussed; it encourages readers to engage with texts emotionally and personally, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse interpretations.

Related terms

Imagination: A key element in romantic criticism, imagination is seen as a source of creativity and insight, allowing individuals to transcend reality and explore deeper truths.

Sublime: A concept in romantic criticism that refers to the profound sense of awe or terror inspired by nature or art, highlighting the tension between beauty and danger.

Subjectivity:

The quality of being based on personal opinions, interpretations, feelings, and experiences, which romantic criticism embraces in its analysis of literature.