Romantic movement

Definition

The romantic movement was an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and flourished through the mid-19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature over rationalism and industrialization. It sought to celebrate personal experience and imagination, often drawing inspiration from the sublime and the beauty of the natural world, which is clearly reflected in the works of poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The romantic movement was a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and science, promoting instead emotional depth and individual perspective.
2. Romantic poets like Wordsworth often focused on themes of nature, childhood, and the power of imagination, portraying these elements as essential to understanding the human experience.
3. Coleridge's work frequently combined philosophical ideas with poetic form, emphasizing the connection between nature and the human soul.
4. The movement influenced various art forms, including literature, music, painting, and philosophy, creating a legacy that persists into modern times.
5. Romanticism played a significant role in shaping national identities and cultural movements across Europe as it often celebrated folklore, myth, and regional characteristics.

Review Questions

• How did the romantic movement redefine the relationship between nature and human emotions in the poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge?
  • The romantic movement redefined the relationship between nature and human emotions by presenting nature as a powerful source of inspiration and emotional resonance. Wordsworth believed that nature could evoke deep feelings and serve as a guide for personal reflection, often portraying it as a nurturing presence. Coleridge similarly emphasized this connection, suggesting that engaging with nature allows for a profound understanding of the self and the universe.
• Analyze how individualism manifests in the works of Wordsworth and Coleridge during the romantic movement.
  • Individualism is a hallmark of both Wordsworth's and Coleridge's poetry, where personal experience is central to understanding broader truths. Wordsworth celebrates individual perception through his portrayal of ordinary people and their intimate connections with nature. Coleridge complements this by exploring personal struggles and emotional depth in his works, often reflecting on his own experiences as a means to delve into universal themes of existence.
• Evaluate the impact of the romantic movement on contemporary literary themes by comparing its core principles with those found in modern literature.
  • The romantic movement's impact on contemporary literary themes is significant, as many modern writers still draw upon its core principles such as emotion, individual experience, and a connection to nature. Contemporary literature often explores psychological depth similar to that seen in romantic works, emphasizing character-driven narratives where personal struggles reflect broader societal issues. This enduring legacy demonstrates how romanticism laid groundwork for later literary movements while influencing current themes like identity, belonging, and environmental consciousness.

Related terms

Sublime: A concept in romanticism referring to an aesthetic quality that inspires a sense of awe or wonder, often connected to nature's grandeur or the vastness of human emotion.

Individualism:

A key principle in romanticism that highlights the importance of personal experience and self-expression, asserting that individuals should prioritize their own feelings and thoughts.

Nature: A central theme in romantic literature, viewed as a source of inspiration and a reflection of the human spirit, often contrasting with urban life and industrialization.