Romanticism Literary Movement PDF

University of Algiers 02 Course: Literature Faculty of Foreign Languages Teacher in charge: Dr Z.Yousfi Department of English Groups: 01...

University of Algiers 02 Course: Literature Faculty of Foreign Languages Teacher in charge: Dr Z.Yousfi Department of English Groups: 01 06 & (2nd14year) & 15 (2nd year) Academic year: 2024/2025 2023/2024 ROMANTICISM The Literary Movement 1 Literature ROMANTICISM - 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI Boost the Romantic experience with this Sturm uand Drang musical composition by Motzart Use the link, listen, and read https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opKK871VO0A Romanticism: the origin Romanticism has its roots in the German Sturm & Drang from which writers such as Goethe emerged. Sturm & Drang translates to Storm and Stress a German literary movement of the late 18th century that rejected the Enlightenment conventions. Sturm & Drang encouraged extreme Individuality and passionate expression. The late 18th century witnessed a transition from the classical ideas, rules and ways of the Enlightenment and paved the way for a new movement known as Romanticism in the 19th century. 2 Literature ROMANTICISM - 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI  Romanticism: the characteristics Romanticism introduced new ideas that became its essential characteristics. We distinguish 6 major romantic characteristics: The Unconventional Protagonist: in Romantic Literature the protagonist’s actions are less important than his thoughts and feelings/emotions. The romantic protagonist becomes an Anti-establishment Figure representing the rebellious spirit of the time. Sensibility Over Sense , Reason and Action: emotions are central in Romantic Literature, they evoke sympathy and accentuate Individualism. The Superfluous Man: when Romanticism spread from Europe to Russia the idea of the Superfluous Man emerged to mean the talented unconventional individual who does not fit the social norms, hence he is isolated and alienated society which nurtured the concept of escapism. Affinity with Nature: Romantic Literature exhibits a spontaneous liking and connection with the natural world which is why romantic literature tends to portray the Beauty and Power of nature. This could be viewed as a clear reaction to the new industrial world resulting from the Industrial Revolution. Liberty and Freedom: Romantic Literature calls of individuality and personal freedom to BE to THINK to FEEL freely and differently without social restrictions to fit a certain social mould. This freedom was nurtured by the Romantics’ affinity with nature where many instances of freedom truly exist. Impulsiveness and Innocence: Romantic Literature puts an emphasis on impulsiveness, childhood i.e. innocence of a child which recall purity like the one found in nature, and the world that is lost due to industrialisation. Romantic Literature tends to rely on reminiscence, memories of childhood, yearning for a past. 3 Literature ROMANTICISM - 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI  Meanwhile in the USA… Transcendentalism In American literature, we do not talk about Romanticism as much as we talk about Transcendentalism (they share some characteristics such as individualism) Transcendentalism is a 19th century movement in the U.S.A that saw the divine and goodness in nature and tried to express it through literature. It evokes the spirit of Liberty/ Freedom. 4 Literature ROMANTICISM - 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI