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## Romanticism Period ### Time Period The Romanticism literary period primarily spanned from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, roughly from 1770 to 1850. This era emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and scientific rationality, favoring emotion, individ...

## Romanticism Period ### Time Period The Romanticism literary period primarily spanned from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, roughly from 1770 to 1850. This era emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and scientific rationality, favoring emotion, individualism, and nature. ### Overview Romanticism was one of the literary movements that began in the late 18th century and ended around the middle of the 19th century—although its influence continues to date. It is characterized by focusing on the individual (the unique perspective of the person that is often guided by irrational and emotional impulses), a respect for nature as a whole, and a celebration of the common man. Romanticism is visible clearly as a reflection of the drastic changes in society that occurred during this period, including the revolutions that spread like wildfire through countries like France and the United States. ### Key Events and/or Movements - **Gothic Literature**: This genre emerged in the late 18th century, featuring elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural. Gothic novels often explored themes of darkness, decay, and the limits of human reason. - **Lyrical Ballads (1798)**: This collection of poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge marked a crucial turning point in Romantic poetry; it emphasized the use of simple language, everyday experiences, and the importance of imagination and emotion. - **Transcendentalism (Early 19th century)**: This philosophical and literary movement, primarily in the United States, emphasized the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of intuition and experience over reason and tradition. - **Byronic Hero**: This archetype, popularized by Lord Byron, represented a ### Key Stylistic Characteristics and Genres - **Characteristics**: Key characteristics of Romanticism include a deep appreciation for nature, a focus on personal emotion and the subjective experience, and an interest in the supernatural and the exotic. Romantic authors and writers often explored themes of heroism, the genius of the individual, and the inner struggles of exceptional figures. They also valued spontaneity and creativity over adherence to traditional forms and rules. - **Genres**: - **Romantic Literature**: Romanticism heavily influenced literature characterized by, Lyrical poetry focusing on personal emotional experiences. - **Gothic novels**: Featuring dark, mysterious, and supernatural themes. - **Historical novels**: Emphasizing national identity and the past. - **Romances**: Idealizing love and relationships. - **Nature writing**: Celebrating the beauty and power of nature. ### Common Themes - **Glorification of Nature**: It is seen as the opposite of the rational, a powerful symbol of this era. - **Awareness of Acceptance and Emotions**: Offered a counterpoint made Romantic poetry and prose extremely readable and relatable. - **Artistic Creativity and Imagination**: Poets and prose writers looked at the world differently. - **Aesthetic Beauty**: This was true with descriptions of female beauty. - **Solitude**: Writers on this era believed that creative inspiration came from solitary exploration. - **Exoticism and History**: Poems and prose in this era have a touch on antiques and the gifts of ancient cultures around the world. - **Spiritual and Supernatural Elements**: The writers on this era explored the contrast between life and death. - **Vivid Sensory Descriptions**: Poets went beyond simply telling about things and instead gave information readers need to feel and taste and touch the objects and surroundings in Romantic-era writing. - **Use of Personifcation**: Their works even personify feelings like love or states like death. - **Autobiography**: Romantic period literature are deeply personal, often reflecting the self of the writer. ### Important Authors and/or Iconic Concepts - **Jane Austen**: *Pride and Prejudice* - **William Wordsworth**: *I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud* - **Samuel Taylor Coleridge**: *The Rime of the Ancient Mariner* - **Lord Byron**: *Don Juan* - **Mary Shelley**: *Frankenstein*