Romantic Era English Literature Lesson 3 9B

Lesson 3, English: 9B Azaliah Calicdan Romanticism Romanticism emerged as a significant artistic and literary movement at the end of the 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century. Initially defined as an aesthetic in literary criticism around 1800, Romanticism gained momentum particul...

Lesson 3, English: 9B Azaliah Calicdan Romanticism Romanticism emerged as a significant artistic and literary movement at the end of the 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century. Initially defined as an aesthetic in literary criticism around 1800, Romanticism gained momentum particularly in France and Britain. It challenged the ideals held during the Enlightenment period, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge are pivotal figures in the Romantic movement, their joint publication of Lyrical Ballads in 1798 often seen as the beginning of English Romanticism. This anthology focused on the beauty of nature, the value of everyday experiences, and emotions over logic. ​ The French Revolution: This revolution highlighted immense social inequalities and economic hardships in France. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were viewed as indifferent from the suffering of the people. The revolution’s call for personal liberty aligned with Romanticism, which placed the individual at the central figure. Romantics were drawn to the intense emotions of the revolutionary period – hope, anger, and despair, rejecting the cold rationalism of the Enlightenment. ​ The Industrial Revolution: As the landscape of society changed dramatically with industrialization, urbanization, and mechanization, Romantics emphasized the beauty of nature, individualism, and emotional depth. ​ Napoleonic Wars: The dramatic rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte fascinated Romantic thinkers and artists, symbolizing human ambition, heroism, and the precarious nature of power. Calls for social reform were prevalent during the Romantic period, with movements addressing issues such as abolitionism, women's rights, and labor rights gaining momentum. Despite progress for women, they continued to be viewed as inferior to men. The growth of cities due to industrialization also led to the establishment of a new middle class that actively consumed literature, art, and music created by Romantic artists. End of the Romantic Era The English Romantic period is often said to have concluded with the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837. By this point, the effects of the Industrial Revolution were significantly felt among the people of England as the working class became dominant in culture. Characteristics: ​ Emphasis on Emotion and Individualism ​ Reverence for Nature ​ Interest in the Supernatural and Gothic ​ Celebration of Past and Folk Traditions Preservation of Cultural Identity Romanticism also idealized the medieval period, mythology, and folklore as essential to cultural identity. Writers and artists sought to preserve and romanticize national traditions, myths, and legends, thus fostering a sense of shared heritage and community. Figures in Romanticism Robert Burns Robert Burns (1759–1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist, is celebrated as Scotland's national poet and a key figure within the Romantic movement. Known for his contributions to both Scottish literature and the Romantic movement. His poetry often reflects themes of nature, love, and Scottish identity. ​ A Red, Red Rose (1764): A popular love poem expressing deep affection through the metaphor of a red rose. ​ Flow Gently, Sweet Afton (1791): This poem illustrates tenderness and care in the relationship between the speaker and his beloved Mary, utilizing nature as an emotional backdrop. The “green braes” refer to the grassy hills that surround the river, while the mention of “Mary” refers to Bruns’ love interest. ​ Auld Lang Syne: A song synonymous with reminiscing and nostalgia. William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge William Wordsworth was a leading English Romantic poet whose works, along with Coleridge’s, laid the groundwork for the Romantic Age. His magnum opus is generally considered to be, The Prelude, it captures the essence of Romantic thought. Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, critic, philosopher, and theologian who was a founder of the Romantic Movement in England and a member of the Lake Poets with William Wordsworth. His works include “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan”. George Gordon Byron -​ George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron was an English poet and peer. He is one of the major figures of the Romantic movement, and is regarded as being among the greatest of British poets Among his best-known works are the lengthy narratives Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage Byronic Hero: A kind of hero found in several of the works of Lord Byron. It is a melancholic and rebellious young man, distressed by a terrible wrong he committed in the past. Famous characters of this archetype include Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley -​ Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English writer. Shelley did not achieve fame during his lifetime, but he became an important influence on the subsequent generation of poets. Among his best-known works are "Ode to the West Wind", "To a Skylark", and "The Necessity of Atheism". -​ Mary Shelley was an English novelist who is the wife of Percy Shelley. She often explored themes of human nature, morality, and the consequences of unbridled ambition. She is famously attributed to her work: the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus which is considered an early example of science fiction. Romanticism in Modern Culture Movies like "The Notebook", "Pride and Prejudice", and "Titanic" showcase characters whose romantic relationships involve deep emotional struggles and passionate love, much like Romantic works featuring idealized love and yearning. Artists and filmmakers still evoke Romantic aesthetics by using dramatic lighting, vibrant landscapes, and deep contrasts to create emotionally charged visuals. Romanticism celebrated nature in all its awe-inspiring glory. Today’s artists often capture the emotional impact of nature and the human experience within it. In visual art, works that feature expansive natural landscapes, dramatic skies, and powerful oceans such as the works of Caspar David Friedrich continue to influence modern artists. Modern musicians often emphasize personal, emotional expression, much like the Romantic poets and composers. Their lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, loss, and individual perspectives. Film composers like John Williams, who made the score for Star Wars, and Hans Zimmer, who made the score for The Dark Knight, use music to evoke intense emotional responses from audiences.