NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ROMANTICISM
UNDERSTANDING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ROMANTICISM
LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this module, we will see in-depth how Romanticism flourished during that period, what its nature was and why it emerged then, with illustrative examples.
MAIN TENETS OF ROMANTICISM
Rational thinking or imagination that has no boundaries- this was the question posed at the turn of the enligtenment. This period saw the emergence of a new form of art and literature that historians called Romanticism. This school celebrates emotion, color, a sense of beauty, celebration of life, and imaginative exploration.
It is as if man had finally escaped into freedom, the freedom to explore the whole of the boundaries of human existence. There was intensity, and beauty of perception, and expression of that beauty. it was as if man now could not be stopped, and he delighted in that unfettered freedom, from the burden of the ages that seemed to have shackled him!!
NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ROMANTICISM
The Fundamental Tenets of Romanticism
Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, order, and scientific rationalism. It flourished across Europe and America, influencing literature, music, painting, and philosophy. Romanticism celebrated emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime, rejecting the rigid structures of neoclassicism. Below are its fundamental tenets:
1. Emphasis on Emotion and Intuition
Romanticism prioritized feelings over logic, valuing personal experience and emotional depth. Writers and artists sought to evoke strong emotions—love, awe, terror, and melancholy—as a means of connecting with the human spirit. For example, William Wordsworth’s poetry focused on introspection and emotional authenticity, while composers like Beethoven used music to express profound passion.
2. Celebration of Nature
Nature was a central theme in Romanticism, often depicted as a source of beauty, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Unlike the Enlightenment’s view of nature as something to be controlled, Romantics saw it as a powerful, almost divine force. Poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley used vivid natural imagery to convey emotion, while painters like Caspar David Friedrich portrayed landscapes as awe-inspiring and mystical.
3. The Sublime and the Supernatural
Romanticism embraced the concept of the sublime—experiences that inspire overwhelming awe, often mixed with fear, such as vast landscapes or violent storms. This fascination extended to the supernatural, with Gothic literature (e.g., Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) exploring mysterious and eerie themes.
4. Individualism and the Heroic Figure
Romanticism exalted the individual, often portraying rebellious or misunderstood heroes who defied societal norms. Lord Byron’s Byronic Hero—charismatic yet tormented—exemplified this ideal. Artists and writers emphasized personal freedom, creativity, and self-expression, rejecting conformity.
5. Glorification of the Past and Folk Traditions
Romantics often looked to medieval history, folklore, and national heritage for inspiration, rejecting industrialization’s dehumanizing effects. The Brothers Grimm collected fairy tales, while Sir Walter Scott revived interest in medieval chivalry through works like Ivanhoe.
6. Critique of Industrialization and Urbanization
Many Romantics lamented the rise of factories and cities, viewing them as destructive to nature and human spirit. William Blake’s "dark Satanic mills" in Jerusalem criticized industrialization, while Wordsworth’s poetry idealized rural life.
Conclusion
Romanticism’s legacy lies in its celebration of emotion, nature, and individualism. By rejecting Enlightenment rationalism, it reshaped art and literature, leaving a lasting influence on later movements like Symbolism and Transcendentalism. Its ideals continue to resonate in modern culture, emphasizing the power of human feeling and the natural world.