Romanticism

Definition

Romanticism is a cultural and artistic movement that originated in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. It reacted against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and sought to highlight the importance of personal experience and the beauty of the natural world. This movement influenced literature significantly, promoting themes of passion, imagination, and the exploration of human emotions, which can be connected to Shakespeare's impact on language and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romanticism emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing a return to nature and emotional depth as reactions against industrialization's mechanization.
2. Prominent figures in Romantic literature include poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who celebrated individual experience and emotion in their works.
3. Romanticism influenced Shakespearean criticism, leading to a reevaluation of his characters as complex individuals driven by passion and personal conflicts.
4. The use of vivid imagery and emotional depth in Romantic poetry can be traced back to Shakespeare's innovative language and ability to convey human experiences.
5. Romantic themes often explore the sublime—a feeling of awe mixed with terror—which can also be seen in Shakespeare's treatment of nature and human emotion.

Review Questions

• How did Romanticism influence the perception of Shakespeare's characters as individuals?
  • Romanticism shifted the focus towards individual emotions and personal experiences, allowing for a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's characters. Critics began to view them as complex individuals grappling with intense emotions, rather than merely archetypes or plot devices. This perspective highlighted traits like passion, conflict, and psychological depth within characters like Hamlet and Othello, aligning well with Romantic ideals.
• In what ways does Romanticism challenge the rationality emphasized during the Enlightenment in relation to Shakespeare's works?
  • Romanticism challenged Enlightenment rationality by prioritizing emotion and subjective experience, which are prominent in Shakespeare's plays. Unlike Enlightenment thinkers who valued logic and reason, Romantic writers embraced feelings as essential to understanding humanity. In works like 'Romeo and Juliet,' the intensity of love showcases how personal passion can lead to significant consequences, reflecting Romantic beliefs about the power of emotions over rational thought.
• Evaluate how Romanticism’s emphasis on nature parallels themes found in Shakespeare's works.
  • The emphasis on nature in Romanticism parallels themes in Shakespeare's works through the exploration of human emotion and the natural world's influence on characters. In plays like 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' nature serves as both a backdrop and an active force affecting character dynamics. The Romantic idealization of nature mirrors Shakespeare’s portrayal of landscapes that reflect inner turmoil or joy, demonstrating how both movements highlight nature's role in shaping human experiences.

Related terms

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotional expression and the importance of feelings over rational thought, often focusing on themes of love and morality.

Individualism: A social and political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and promotes self-reliance and personal independence.

Nature: In Romantic literature, nature is often seen as a source of inspiration and beauty, representing a refuge from industrialization and a reflection of human emotion.