Romanticism

Definition

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century. It emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often reacting against the rationalism and industrialization of the preceding Enlightenment era. This movement brought classical myths into novels as a way to explore deep human feelings, cultural identity, and the complexities of existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romanticism sought to celebrate individual experience and emotion, often focusing on the sublime aspects of nature and human existence.
2. Many Romantic writers drew inspiration from classical myths to express themes of love, heroism, and the struggle between civilization and nature.
3. This movement led to a renewed interest in folklore and national history, as authors used myths to forge a cultural identity and reflect societal changes.
4. Romantic literature often featured protagonists who were outcasts or rebels, reflecting a disdain for societal norms and an embrace of personal freedom.
5. The influence of Romanticism extended beyond literature to visual arts and music, fostering a holistic approach to creativity that valued imagination over reason.

Review Questions

• How did Romanticism change the way classical myths were used in literature during the 19th century?
  • Romanticism transformed the use of classical myths by shifting their focus from mere storytelling to exploring deep emotional truths and individual experiences. Writers began to use these myths as symbolic narratives that allowed for greater introspection and reflection on human nature. This approach helped readers connect with universal themes of love, sacrifice, and conflict in a way that was more personal and relevant to their own lives.
• In what ways did Romantic literature reflect societal changes in Europe during the 19th century?
  • Romantic literature reflected societal changes by addressing the tension between industrialization and nature, highlighting concerns about loss of individuality amidst growing urbanization. Authors often incorporated themes of nostalgia for a simpler past while celebrating rural life. By using classical myths as a backdrop, they emphasized values such as heroism, moral complexity, and the importance of personal freedom, mirroring the struggles people faced during rapid social transformations.
• Evaluate how Romanticism's focus on emotion and individual experience impacted later literary movements.
  • The emphasis on emotion and individual experience in Romanticism laid the groundwork for later literary movements such as Realism and Modernism. By prioritizing personal perspectives and subjective experiences over objective reality, Romantic writers inspired subsequent authors to delve deeper into psychological exploration and social commentary. This shift also encouraged experimentation with form and style, influencing how narratives were constructed in various genres while shaping modern literature's focus on character-driven stories.

Related terms

Transcendentalism: A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, and advocating for self-reliance and individual intuition.

Gothic Literature: A genre of fiction characterized by its use of supernatural elements, dark settings, and emotional themes, which often intersects with Romantic ideals.

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge that is considered a manifesto of Romantic poetry, emphasizing emotion and the beauty of nature.