Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary movement that emphasizes emotion, empathy, and the exploration of human feelings over rationality and intellect. It reflects a shift towards valuing emotional experiences, often portraying characters in situations that evoke deep emotional responses from readers, leading to a focus on morality and virtue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as a reaction against the rationalism of Neoclassicism, promoting emotional depth in literature.
2. Samuel Richardson's epistolary novels 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa' are prime examples of sentimental literature, showcasing characters' inner emotional struggles and moral dilemmas.
3. The movement also influenced the evolution of comedy, transforming Restoration Comedy's wit into Sentimental Comedy that highlighted emotional resonance and moral lessons.
4. The decline of Neoclassicism opened the door for sentimentalism, as writers began to prioritize personal feelings and human connection over strict adherence to classical forms.
5. Graveyard poets like Thomas Gray and Edward Young incorporated elements of sentimentalism by exploring themes of mortality and the beauty of nature through an emotionally charged lens.

Review Questions

• How does sentimentalism differ from Neoclassicism in terms of character development and thematic focus?
  • Sentimentalism differs from Neoclassicism primarily in its focus on character emotions and moral complexities rather than rigid adherence to form and reason. While Neoclassical works emphasized rational thought and societal norms, sentimental literature delves into personal feelings, exploring the inner lives of characters. This shift allows for deeper emotional connections with readers, as characters navigate their feelings in response to various moral situations.
• Discuss the role of empathy in Richardson's epistolary novels 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa' and how it exemplifies sentimentalism.
  • Empathy plays a central role in Richardson's 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa,' as both novels encourage readers to feel alongside the protagonists during their emotional trials. The letters format allows an intimate glimpse into the characters' thoughts and emotions, fostering a strong connection between them and the audience. This immersive experience exemplifies sentimentalism by highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding in human relationships, as readers witness the struggles against societal pressures and personal conflicts.
• Evaluate how the transition from Restoration Comedy to Sentimental Comedy reflects broader cultural shifts towards emotion during the 18th century.
  • The transition from Restoration Comedy to Sentimental Comedy mirrors significant cultural shifts as society began valuing emotion over wit. Restoration Comedy was known for its satirical take on social norms through clever dialogue, while Sentimental Comedy aimed to evoke empathy by focusing on characters’ emotional journeys. This change indicates a broader societal move toward recognizing individual feelings and moral integrity, reflecting an increasing desire for genuine emotional experiences within literature and everyday life during the 18th century.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, often highlighted in sentimental literature to create connections between characters and readers.

Romanticism:

An artistic movement that emerged in response to the Enlightenment, focusing on individual experience, nature, and intense emotional expression, closely linked to sentimentalism.

Melodrama: A dramatic form characterized by exaggerated emotions and sensational events, often used in sentimental works to provoke strong reactions from the audience.