Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a key characteristic of the 'sublime' in Romanticism?
What was a key characteristic of the 'sublime' in Romanticism?
What was the primary inspiration for the New England Transcendentalists?
What was the primary inspiration for the New England Transcendentalists?
What was a central belief of the Transcendentalist movement?
What was a central belief of the Transcendentalist movement?
What was a key value of the Romantic spirit in American democracy?
What was a key value of the Romantic spirit in American democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a reaction against, according to the Transcendentalist movement?
What was a reaction against, according to the Transcendentalist movement?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary method of development of the self, according to Romantic theory?
What was the primary method of development of the self, according to Romantic theory?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the significance of the Romantic movement in America, as compared to Europe?
What was the significance of the Romantic movement in America, as compared to Europe?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary argument of the Romantics regarding art and science?
What was the primary argument of the Romantics regarding art and science?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the significance of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'The Poet' (1844)?
What was the significance of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'The Poet' (1844)?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the result of the Romantic redefinition of the concept of 'self'?
What was the result of the Romantic redefinition of the concept of 'self'?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Romantic Movement in America
- The Romantic movement reached America around 1820, 20 years after William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's publication of Lyrical Ballads.
- In America, Romanticism coincided with national expansion and the discovery of a distinctive American voice.
- The movement solidified a national identity and nurtured the masterpieces of "the American Renaissance."
Key Romantic Ideas
- Art was seen as inspiration, with a spiritual and aesthetic dimension of nature.
- Metaphors of organic growth emphasized the importance of expressive art for the individual and society.
- Art was believed to be capable of expressing universal truth, superior to science.
- The development of the self became a major theme, with self-awareness as a primary method.
The Concept of Self
- The idea of "self" was redefined, suggesting self-awareness, self-realization, self-expression, and self-reliance.
- The self was seen as one with all humanity, leading to a moral duty to reform social inequalities and relieve human suffering.
Psychological and Artistic Aspects
- The unique, subjective self led to the development of exceptional artistic effects and techniques to evoke heightened psychological states.
- The concept of the "sublime" produced feelings of awe, reverence, vastness, and a power beyond human comprehension.
American Democracy and Romanticism
- Romanticism was seen as affirmative and suitable for American democracy, stressing individualism and affirming the value of the common person.
- The Romantic spirit looked to the inspired imagination for its aesthetic and ethical values.
Transcendentalism
- The Transcendentalist movement was a reaction against 18th-century rationalism and a manifestation of the general humanitarian trend of 19th-century thought.
- The movement was based on a fundamental belief in the unity of the world and God.
- The doctrine of self-reliance and individualism developed through the belief in the identification of the individual soul with God.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the Romantic movement in America, its origins, and its impact on artistic and intellectual circles. Learn how it coincided with national expansion and the discovery of a distinct American identity.
