𝕿𝖍𝖊

𝕽𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖈
𝕻𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖉 (𝕮.1660-
1790)
Romanticism
Artistic and
intellectual movement
that originated in Europe
began roughly around
1798 and lasted around
1837 which emphasizes
imagination and emotion,
individual thought and
personal feeling.
Romanticism
Romantic
period is not about
romance but a belief
that emotions are as
crucial to
understanding truth
as the rational
scientific method.
The Romantics believed in a
new era of freedom and the
extension of human endeavors,
leading to a shift in the focus of
poetry from praising the general
to focusing on the unique
experiences of the poet.
 Neoclassical Era Imagination
Romantic writing also shifted from the mimetic assumptions of the
Neoclassical era to a new stress on imagination. The poets of this period placed
great emphasis on the workings of the unconscious mind, dreams, reveries, the
supernatural, and the childlike or primitive view of the world. This organic view
of poetry opposed the classical theory of genres and led to the belief that poetic
sublimity was unattainable except in short passages. With the new conception of
poetry and the demand for new ways of writing, Wordsworth and his followers
sought to bring the language of poetry back to that of common speech. However,
the flexible diction of earlier 18th-century poetry had hardened into a merely
conventional language by the time of his preface to Lyrical Ballads in 1800.
Romantic Literature: Key
Themes and Influences
Love:
• Romantic literature emphasized love as
a transformative force, often portrayed
as passionate, unrequited, and
associated with suffering or longing.
• Love was often depicted as an
idealized and impossible love, often
leading to tragic outcomes.
• Romantic writers often linked love with
nature, using the natural world as a
reflection of human emotions.
Romantic Literature:
Key Themes and
Influences
Nature:
• Nature was central to
Romantic literature, seen as a
source of inspiration, spiritual
renewal, and emotional depth.
• The concept of the sublime
was explored, representing
nature's power to evoke intense
emotions.
• Romantic writers often
subscribe to pantheism and
spirituality, believing that God is
present in all aspects of nature.
Romantic Literature: Key
Themes and Influences

Pantheism and Spirituality:

• Many Romantics viewed nature as imbued
with divine qualities, leading to the idea of
humans connecting with the divine through
immersion in the natural world.
• William Blake's poetry reflects a mystical
relationship with nature, embodying divine
creation.
Nature as a Mirror of Emotion:
• Nature was often used as a mirror of
human emotions, symbolizing inner
emotional states.
Literature review
(Romantic Period
Poets)
 Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë, born in 1818,

was an English novelist and poet known
for her imaginative Wuthering Heights
novel. Despite being the greatest of
three Brontë sisters, her life is meager,
and her single novel darkens her
spiritual existence.

Emily Brontë
 Jane Austen
Jane Austen, an English
writer, revolutionized the ovel genre
by portraying ordinary people in
everyday life. Her four novels,
including Sense and Sensibility, Pride
and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and
Emma, shaped the novel of manners
and became timeless classics,
showcasing her enduring legacy.

Jane Austen
 Mary Wollstonecraft
Shelley
- Mary Wollstonecraft
Shelley (born August 30, 1797,
London, England—died February 1,
1851, London) was an English
Romantic novelist best known as the
author of Frankenstein.
Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Brontë
•Publication Date: 1847
•Genre: Gothic Fiction, Tragedy

Introduction
Wuthering Heights is the only novel
by Emily Brontë, published under the
pseudonym Ellis Bell in 1847. Set on the bleak
moors of England, it tells the tumultuous story
of the Earnshaw and Linton families and their
intense, often destructive relationships.
Although initially controversial, the novel is now
celebrated as a classic of English literature for
its powerful exploration of love, revenge, social
class, and the human spirit
Setting:
All the action of Wuthering Heights takes place in or around
two neighboring houses on the Yorkshire moors—Wuthering Heights
and Thrushcross Grange.
Genre:
Gothic novel (designed to both horrify and fascinate readers
with scenes of passion and cruelty; supernatural elements; and a dark,
foreboding atmosphere); also realist fiction (incorporates vivid
circumstantial detail into a consistently and minutely thought-out plot,
dealing mostly with the relationships of the characters to one another)

Major Conflicts:
Heathcliff’s great natural abilities, strength of character, and love for
Catherine Earnshaw all enable him to raise himself from humble beginnings to the
status of a wealthy gentleman, but his need to revenge himself for Hindley’s abuse
and Catherine’s betrayal leads him into a twisted life of cruelty and hatred;
Catherine is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her desire to be a
gentlewoman, and her decision to marry the genteel Edgar Linton drags almost all
of the novel’s characters into conflict with Heathcliff.
Exposition:
The novel begins with Mr. Lockwood, a tenant at Thrushcross Grange,
recounting his strange visit to Wuthering Heights, where he encounters the mysterious
Heathcliff and learns of his troubled history.

Rising Action:
The story, narrated by housekeeper Nelly Dean, reveals that Heathcliff was
adopted as a child by the Earnshaw family and developed an intense bond with
Catherine, Mr. Earnshaw's daughter. This bond is both affectionate and destructive, as
Heathcliff and Catherine share a tumultuous relationship filled with love and jealousy.

Climax:
Despite her love for Heathcliff, Catherine marries Edgar Linton, a refined
and wealthy man, to gain social status, which devastates Heathcliff and ignites his
desire for revenge. Heathcliff then marries Isabella Linton, Edgar's sister, as part of his
scheme to ruin the Lintons and the Earnshaws.
Falling Action:
Heathcliff’s quest for revenge leads him to manipulate the fates of
the next generation, including Catherine’s daughter, Cathy Linton, and Hindley’s
son, Hareton Earnshaw. His influence perpetuates cycles of pain and hatred.

Resolution:
The novel ends with Heathcliff’s death and the eventual union
between young Cathy and Hareton, suggesting a sense of closure and a
possible escape from Heathcliff’s legacy of revenge.
 Primary Characters

Heathcliff: Catherine Earnshaw: Edgar Linton:

• An orphan brought to Wuthering
Heights by Mr. Earnshaw. • Refined gentleman from
• Develops complex relationship • Passionate love interest of
Thrushcross Grange.
with Catherine, daughter of Mr. Heathcliff.
• Marries Catherine,
Earnshaw. • Marries Edgar Linton for
representing the clash
• Drives conflict due to early wealth and security.
between refinement and primal
mistreatment, seeking revenge on passion.
the Linton and Earnshaw families.
Isabella Linton: Nelly Dean:
Hindley Earnshaw:
• Infatuated with Heathcliff • Housekeeper at both
• Brother who inherits Wuthering Wuthering Heights and
and marries him. Heights and mistreats Heathcliff.
• Abusive marriage Thrushcross Grange.
• Sets off the cycle of revenge. • Biased and personal judgments
highlights Heathcliff's cruel
nature. shape the narrative.

Lockwood: Young Catherine

Linton (Cathy):
• New tenant at Thrushcross
Grange. • Daughter of Catherine and
• Initial narrator prompts Edgar.
Nelly to recount the story. • Resolves conflicts between
. Earnshaw and Linton
families.
Themes
• Revenge: Heathcliff's pursuit of revenge leads to his downfall
.
• Love and Passion: Intense love between Catherine and Heathcliff
defies social conventions, leading to suffering.

• Social Class and Inequality: The novel depicts the rigid class system
of the time.

• Nature vs. Civilization: The moors symbolize freedom, while

Thrushcross Grange represents order.

• Supernatural Elements: Catherine's ghost hint at the afterlife and a

bond beyond death.
 Conclusion
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a
timeless tale of love, revenge, and redemption.
Through her complex characters and haunting
landscape, Brontë crafted a narrative that
questions the nature of human relationships and
the cost of unchecked passion. The novel’s
legacy endures because of its emotional power,
unforgettable characters, and its exploration of
moral ambiguity, making it a masterpiece of
English literature.
 Persuasion
Author: Jane Austen
•Publication Date: 1818
•Genre: Novel

Introduction
Persuasion tells the story of a
second chance, the reawakening of love
between Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick
Wentworth, whom eight years earlier she had
been persuaded not to marry. Wentworth
returns from the Napoleonic Wars with prize
money and the social acceptability of naval
rank. He is now an eligible suitor, acceptable to
Anne’s snobbish father and his circle, and
Anne discovers the continuing strength of her
love for him.
Setting:
Kellynch Hall, Uppercross Manor, Lyme, and Bath. The
setting follows Anne Elliot's movements from the country to Lyme to
finally joining her father and sister in Bath.

Genre:
Persuasion by Jane Austen is primarily a romantic novel with
elements of social satire. It also falls under literary realism, as it offers a
detailed portrayal of early 19th-century English society, particularly its
social classes and customs. Through Anne Elliot's personal journey,
Austen explores themes of love, social status, and personal growth,
making it a classic in both romance and social commentary.

Major Conflicts:
The primary conflict is the difficulty of saving money while keeping up
the appearance of a rich and titled landowner. The problem Sir Walter faces is not
unique; it emerges in part because of the class system of early 19th-century
England. Such a system, in which families are strictly categorized by their wealth,
rank, and birth, necessitates living a lifestyle consistent with one's class.
Exposition:

The story opens with an introduction to the Elliots, a

proud but financially struggling family. Anne Elliot, the
protagonist, is 27 and unmarried, living in a society
that values wealth and status. Years earlier, Anne
was persuaded to break off her engagement with
Frederick Wentworth, a young naval officer without
fortune, due to the advice of her family and close
friend Lady Russell.
Rising action:
Captain Wentworth reenters Anne's life after years of
absence, now a wealthy and successful naval officer. He
appears indifferent to Anne, while she is quietly distressed
by his presence. Wentworth's interactions with other young
women in the area, especially Louisa Musgrove, create
tension as Anne realizes she still loves him. Throughout
this period, Anne also deals with her family's continued
disregard and learns of Wentworth’s possible romantic
interest in Louisa.
Climax:
The turning point comes when Louisa suffers a
serious injury at Lyme, and Wentworth begins to
realize his admiration for Anne’s calm and capable
nature. Later, a conversation Anne has with Captain
Harville about love and constancy moves Wentworth
deeply. He writes Anne a passionate letter,
confessing that he still loves her and hopes she feels
the same.
Falling action:
Anne and Wentworth reconnect after he confesses
his feelings. Anne is thrilled and reciprocates his
love, overcoming the past doubts and family
objections that had separated them. Wentworth’s
changed status and the evident depth of their mutual
love make their reunion more viable in society’s
eyes.
Resolution:
Anne and Wentworth marry, bringing both of them
the happiness they missed out on years before.
Anne finally overcomes the influence of her family
and Lady Russell, finding independence and
fulfillment with the man she truly loves. Their
marriage symbolizes a new beginning based on true
love, respect, and shared values.
 Primary Characters

Anne Elliot Captain Frederick Wentworth

The protagonist, Anne is a sensitive, intelligent, A once-poor naval officer who was rejected by
and introspective young woman. At 27, she’s Anne due to his lack of fortune, Wentworth
considered past her prime for marriage. Years returns to England as a wealthy and successful
before, she was persuaded to break off her man. He is initially resentful toward Anne but
engagement to Frederick Wentworth. She still comes to realize that he still loves her.
harbors feelings for him, but struggles with her Wentworth is characterized by his confidence,
role in a society that undervalues her qualities. integrity, and strong will.
Anne is one of Austen’s most mature heroines.
Sir Walter Elliot Elizabeth Elliot
Anne's vain and shallow father, Sir Walter is a Anne’s elder sister, Elizabeth shares her
baronet obsessed with status and appearance. father’s vanity and social ambition. She is
His reckless spending forces him to rent out the dismissive of Anne and cares primarily about
family home, Kellynch Hall, to save money. His her family’s status. Elizabeth is disappointed
pride and obsession with social rank cause him that she has not yet married and clings to her
to disregard Anne’s wishes and needs. position as the eldest daughter of a noble
family.

Lady RussellA close friend and confidante of Mr. William Elliot

Anne’s late mother, Lady Russell acts as a Anne Elliot's cousin and heir to Kellynch
mother figure to Anne. She persuaded Anne to Hall. Mr. William Elliot is a smooth talker who
break off her engagement with Wentworth years everyone agrees is "perfectly what he ought
before, as she thought him an unsuitable match. to be."
Lady Russell means well but often prioritizes
status over personal happiness.
.
Mary MusgroveAnne’s younger, Charles Musgrove
hypochondriacal sister. She is married to Mary’s husband and a member of a well-
Charles Musgrove and is often self-centered respected local family. Charles originally
and demanding. Mary often complains of proposed to Anne before marrying Mary. He is
imaginary ailments and expects attention and friendly, practical, and somewhat indulgent of
sympathy, contrasting sharply with Anne’s quiet
Mary’s self-centered behavior, often acting as a
selflessness.
voice of reason in the family.

Louisa Musgrove Captain Benwick

Charles’s lively and spirited younger sister. A melancholic young officer who mourns his
Louisa initially attracts Wentworth’s attention fiancée’s recent death. He initially forms a bond
due to her high energy and enthusiasm. with Anne over poetry and loss but later
However, after an accident that leaves her develops feelings for Louisa Musgrove, with
seriously injured, Louisa ultimately falls in love whom he eventually marries.
with and marries Captain Benwick.
.
Admiral and Mrs. Croft Mrs. Smith
The amiable couple that rents Kellynch Hall The girlhood friend of Anne Elliot who is
when Sir Walter can no longer afford to stay currently living in Bath and has fallen on hard
there. The Crofts are one of the few examples times.
of an older happily married couple in any of
Austen's novels.

Mrs. Clay
The daughter of Mr. Shepherd, Mrs. Clay soon
becomes the friend of Elizabeth Elliot. Though
she is of much lower birth and not so very
attractive, Mrs. Clay is a well-mannered widow.
Anne, however, sees danger in the way she
endears herself to Sir Walter, and suspects she
may seek to marry in a class far above her own.
.
Themes:
• Love and Second Chances: Anne and Wentworth's love was
interrupted years before, but they get a second chance to be together.
.
• Persuasion and Influence: Anne was persuaded to break off her
engagement with Wentworth due to Lady Russell’s advice, prioritizing social
stability over personal happiness.

• Social Class and Mobility: The novel also highlights how class
influences relationships and marriage prospects.

• The Passage of Time and Aging: Persuasion deals with the realities
of growing older, facing lost opportunities, and how maturity can deepen
one's emotional resilience.

• Regret and Redemption: Anne’s regret over breaking off her

engagement with Wentworth haunts her.
 Conclusion
In the conclusion of Persuasion, Anne Elliot
and Captain Wentworth reunite and marry,
overcoming past mistakes and societal
pressures. Their union celebrates second
chances and true love, affirming the
importance of following one’s own heart
and the strength found in personal growth.
 Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley
•Publication Date: 1818
•Genre: Gothic novel, horror fiction
Introduction
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was first
published in 1818 and stands as a seminal work in
the Gothic and science fiction genres. The novel
follows the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein,
who, driven by a desire to overcome death and
unlock the secrets of life, creates a human-like
creature from reanimated body parts. The story
unfolds through a series of letters and narratives,
recounting Victor’s journey and the consequences
of his creation. Set against the backdrop of Europe
in the late 18th century, the novel explores themes
of scientific ethics, the nature of monstrosity, and
the consequences of playing god.
Setting:
The story has four settings: Geneva, Ingolstadt, Walton’s
boat and the De Lacey family’s home.

Genre:
Gothic novel that employs mystery, secrecy, and unsettling
psychology to tell the story of Victor Frankenstein’s doomed monster.

Major Conflicts:

1. Man vs Self – Victor’s desire are in direct conflict with his reaction (emotions,
guilt) over the results of his obsession
2. Man vs. Man – the creature is in conflict with his creator
3. Man vs Nature – the creature is in conflict with the unknown aspects of the world
that he is left to traverse alone.
Exposition:
Mary Shelley provides a description of Victor
Frankenstein's parentage and his childhood. This
exposition sets up the narrative by showing that
Victor came from an interesting and well-established
family but was attracted to experimental science
through Rising
fate. Action:
Victor discovers the secret of life and creates a
monster from dead bodies from scratch. He used body parts
from corpses and natural electricity to create his monster.

Cimax:
The climax of the story occurs when the creature
murders Victor’s new bride, Elizabeth, on their wedding night.
Falling Action:
Victor’s health declines and tries to pass his
unfinished revenge onto Captain Walton. Walton is able to see
and hear the monster from his own perspective and feels
compassion for him.

Resolution:
Victor Frankenstein dies on the ship, after advising Robert
Walton to seek out tranquility instead of falling prey to ambition, like
him. The monster visits Victor’s body, left the ship and died.
 Primary Characters

Victor Frankenstein The Monster Robert Walton

The protagonist, a scientist who Also referred to as the
created the monster and grapples “creature”, the being the narrator who rescued
with the consequences of his created by Victor Victor from the ice and listens
actions to the story.
Frankenstein
Elizabeth Lavenza Henry Clerval William Frankenstein

Victor’s adopted sister Victor’s close friend from Victor’s younger brother,
and later his fiancée, childhood whose murder sets off a
representing chain of tragic events.
innocence and beauty.

Alphonse
Justine Moritz
Frankenstein
a family servant wronly
accused and executed for Victor’s father, who struggles
William’s Murder. to understand his son’s
. actions
Themes
• Creation and Responsibility
.
• Nature vs Nurture

• Loneliness and Isolation

• Science and Ethics

• Human Nature

• Love and Rejection