Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary movement that emphasizes emotion and the importance of feeling in human experience, often focusing on moral values and personal connections. This movement aims to evoke deep emotional responses from readers and often portrays characters in situations that inspire empathy and compassion, highlighting the role of sentiment in shaping one's understanding of life and morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism emerged as a reaction against rationalism during the 18th century, emphasizing emotional depth and moral sensibility over purely intellectual reasoning.
2. In Richardson's epistolary novels, sentimentalism is evident in the development of characters who undergo profound emotional transformations, often influenced by their relationships and moral dilemmas.
3. Pre-Romantic poetry often utilizes sentimentalism by focusing on themes of love, nature, and personal reflection, inviting readers to experience intense emotions alongside the poet.
4. Radcliffe's contribution to the Gothic novel showcases sentimentalism through her exploration of female emotion, vulnerability, and the moral complexities of her characters' experiences.
5. The 'Lyrical Ballads' significantly impacted Romantic poetry by incorporating sentimental elements that prioritize personal emotion and the beauty of nature, shaping the movement's focus on individual feelings.

Review Questions

• How does sentimentalism influence character development in Richardson's epistolary novels?
  • In Richardson's epistolary novels, sentimentalism plays a crucial role in character development by placing characters in emotionally charged situations that test their morals and values. The format of letters allows for intimate access to characters' thoughts and feelings, enabling readers to witness their emotional growth. This focus on sentiment creates deeper connections between the characters and readers, highlighting themes of love, virtue, and the transformative power of human relationships.
• Analyze how themes of sentimentalism are reflected in Pre-Romantic poetry and its focus on individual emotion.
  • Pre-Romantic poetry embodies sentimentalism through its emphasis on personal emotion and introspection. Poets often explore themes such as love, nature, and longing, inviting readers to feel along with them. The use of vivid imagery and lyrical language evokes strong emotional responses, aligning with the sentimental tradition that values genuine feeling over rationality. This emotional depth prepares the ground for the Romantic movement's further exploration of individual experience.
• Evaluate the impact of sentimentalism on Radcliffe's Gothic novels and the evolution of the Gothic genre.
  • Sentimentalism significantly impacts Radcliffe's Gothic novels by infusing them with deep emotional resonance and moral complexity. Her portrayal of female characters often emphasizes their vulnerability and capacity for feeling, challenging traditional roles while enriching the narrative with emotional stakes. This blend of sentiment and Gothic elements not only shapes Radcliffe's work but also paves the way for future writers in the genre to explore themes of psychological depth and emotional struggle, ultimately evolving Gothic literature into a more nuanced form.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which is a key element in sentimental literature as it encourages readers to connect with characters' emotions.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century, focusing on individual emotion and nature, often intertwining with sentimental themes.

Melodrama: A dramatic work characterized by exaggerated emotions and situations, often associated with sentimental literature for its emotional manipulation and moral clarity.