LECTURE №5. PRE-ROMANTICISM AND ROMANTICISM.
REGRESSIVE (REACTIONARY) ROMANTICISM.
PROGRESSIVE (REVOLUTIONARY) ROMANTICISM
Exploring the Cultural Movement's
Rich Facets
Introduction
This lecture dives into Romanticism,
tracing its development and key
characteristics influencing culture and
art.
1
Definition
Cultural movement origins
Romanticism emerged in the late
18th century as a response against
Enlightenment rationalism and
industrialization. It embraced individual
experience and emotional authenticity
during a time of significant social change
marked by political and industrial
revolutions.
Characteristics of
Romanticism
Romanticism is defined by its focus on
emotion, nature, and individualism. It
champions personal experience, the awe of
nature, and creative freedom, rebelling
against rational approaches. This movement
reflects a deep fascination with human
feelings and the beauty of the natural world,
often depicted in literary and artistic forms.
Emotion vs. reason
Romanticism distinguishes itself from the
Enlightenment by prioritizing emotional depth
and imagination over rational thought. This
movement reflects a belief that subjective
experiences are vital in understanding human
existence. Romantic thinkers argued that raw
emotions, whether joy or despair, reveal
deeper truths about life, particularly through
art and literature.
2 Characteristics
Emotion and imagination
Romanticism celebrates emotion
and imagination as fundamental aspects
of the human experience. Artists and
writers focused on the sublime and the
terrifying, using nature to evoke
emotional resonance. Their works often
transport readers and viewers beyond
reality, inviting them to explore personal
feelings and the depths of their
Celebration of nature
Romantic artists viewed nature as a source of
beauty and inspiration, contrasting the industrial
world. They captured the mystery and vastness of
the natural world, often portraying it as a refuge
and a spiritual sanctuary. This celebration of nature
reflected a longing for connection to the earth and
an appreciation of its untamed beauty.
Focus on the individual
Romanticism emphasizes the individual's
experiences, creativity, and personal vision. It
celebrated the artist as a unique figure who breaks
away from societal norms and conventions. The
notion of the 'great individual' became central, as
Romantics valued personal freedom and the
expression of one's inner self, often through heroic
or eccentric characters.
3
Historical Context
Overview of key influences on English
literature in the late 18th and early
19th centuries
Impact of the Industrial
Revolution
The Industrial Revolution led to massive
urbanization and a shift from agrarian society to
industrial work. This transformation created a
sense of alienation and displacement among
individuals, themes that were commonly
explored by authors during the Romantic period.
Writers reflected on the human cost of industrial
progress, emphasizing the tension between
Effects of the French
Revolution
The French Revolution inspired a wave of
revolutionary ideas in Britain, provoking a mix of
hope and fear. British Romantic writers were
deeply influenced by the ideals of liberty and
equality, often reflecting their awe or criticism of
the chaos it brought. The revolution sparked
discussions around political rights and inspired
literary explorations of individual freedom and
Social Changes in Late 18th Century
The late 18th century in England witnessed
transformative social changes stemming from the effects
of the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment thinking.
The rise of a new middle class, associated with industrial
capitalism, altered traditional social dynamics and created
disparities between the wealthy and the working poor.
This period also saw growing movements advocating for
personal rights and social justice, heavily influencing the
themes explored in literature, as writers sought to
understand and critique these shifts in society.
English Pre-Romanticism and Romanticism
Representatives
1. William Wordsworth
•Role: A central figure in English Romanticism, often called the father of the
Romantic poetry movement.
•Notable Work: "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey"
• Summary: This poem reflects Wordsworth's feelings of peace and
tranquility when returning to Tintern Abbey after five years. It explores
themes of nature, memory, and the healing power of the natural
landscape, illustrating his belief in nature as a teacher and spiritual
guide.
2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Role: Alongside Wordsworth, Coleridge helped to launch
the Romantic Age in English literature.
• Notable Work: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
• Summary: This poem is a tale of a mariner who suffers
great misfortunes at sea, involving supernatural events
and moral lessons. It explores themes of guilt,
punishment, and redemption, blending the natural and
supernatural in profound lyrical storytelling.
Regressive (Reactionary)
Romanticism
• 1. Sir Walter Scott
• Role: Known for his historical novels, Scott was a key figure in
regressive Romanticism, which looked back nostalgically to the past.
• Notable Work: "Ivanhoe"
• Summary: "Ivanhoe" is set in 12th-century England and revolves
around the noble knight Ivanhoe, who is loyal to King Richard the
Lionheart. The novel explores themes of chivalry, honor, and the
conflict between the Saxons and Normans, painting a
romanticized picture of medieval England.
Progressive (Revolutionary)
Romanticism
• 1. Percy Bysshe Shelley
• Role: Shelley was a radical figure in Romantic poetry, known for
his revolutionary ideas and themes of individualism and
freedom.
• Notable Work: "Ozymandias"
• Summary: "Ozymandias" is a sonnet that tells of the decay
of a once-great statue of a tyrant. Through this poem,
Shelley explores themes of the transient nature of power
and the inevitable decline of all tyrants and empires,
emphasizing the ultimate powerlessness of man against the
passage of time.
2. Lord Byron (Revolutionary)
Romanticism
• Role: Byron was famous for his flamboyant lifestyle and
revolutionary ideas, embodying the spirit of progressive
Romanticism.
• Notable Work: "Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage“
• Summary: This lengthy narrative poem describes the
travels and reflections of a world-weary young man looking
for meaning in life. The work explores themes of
disillusionment with societal norms, the search for personal
identity, and a deep cynicism towards the political
manipulations of the era.
Comparison and Contrast
• Regressive Romanticism typically features an idealization
of the past and traditional values, often portraying medieval
settings and chivalric ideals as seen in Walter Scott’s works.
• Progressive Romanticism focuses on challenging the
status quo, advocating for personal freedom and societal
reform, as demonstrated in the revolutionary tones of
Shelley’s and Byron’s poetry.
Pre-Romanticism Themes
Before Romanticism fully emerged, English literature was
influenced by pre-Romantic themes that prioritized
emotion, individuality, and nature. Writers began to
challenge Enlightenment rationalism, favoring the
exploration of personal emotions and the sublime
experiences found in nature. This shift set the stage for
later Romantic works, as authors began to reflect upon
societal issues, the complexities of the human spirit, and
the conflicts between individual desires and societal
constraints.
5
Themes
Emotion and Intuition over
Reason
Romantics prioritized emotional
expression and intuition, fostering a
movement away from Enlightenment
rationalism. Literature of this period
emphasizes deep personal feelings and
passionate responses to life, creating a
bridge to the emotional core of
humanity.
Nature and the Sublime
Nature serves as a central theme in Romantic
literature, often depicted as both beautiful and
fearsome. The sublime experience—arising from
awe of the natural world—reflects profound
human emotions, illustrating how nature mirrors
our internal struggles and exaltations.
Individualism and the Self
Romantic literature celebrates
individualism, highlighting the artist or
poet as a unique figure capable of
expressing profound truths. The emphasis
is on personal experiences and self-
exploration, portraying the journey of the
individual as central to understanding
broader human experiences.
6 Technique
s
Expression of Emotion
Romantic writers utilized first-person
narratives and dramatic monologues to convey
complex emotional states. Their work often
features vivid imagery and sensory details that
immerse readers in the emotional landscape,
making personal feelings and experiences the
focal point of the narrative.
Celebration of the
Individual
The Romantic era emphasizes
personal journeys and the development of
the self. Protagonists are often depicted as
heroes navigating their paths, showcasing
the struggle between societal expectations
and individual aspirations. This celebration
encourages readers to connect deeply with
their own identities.
Glorification of the Past and
Nature
Romanticism often idealizes the past,
particularly medieval times, and celebrates nature
as a powerful force. Authors frequently depict
nature not merely as a backdrop but as a central
character that influences human actions and
emotions, underscoring a spiritual connection with
the natural world.
7
Emotion &
Individualism
Rebellion against
Enlightenment rationalism
Romanticism emerged as a direct challenge to
the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason over
emotion. Romantic thinkers celebrated feelings,
intuition, and the subjective nature of experience,
advocating for a deeper understanding of the
human spirit beyond rational thought. This rebellion
was crucial in shaping the cultural landscape by
prioritizing emotional depth in literature and art.
Expansion of self-expression in
literature
The Romantic movement led to the liberation
of artistic expression, allowing writers to explore
complex emotions and personal experiences. This
shift fostered a new literary style that prioritized
subjective perspectives and deep emotional
resonance. Works often reflected personal
struggles and celebrated the unique voice of the
individual, paving the way for modern literary
practices.
Influence on modern concepts
of identity
Romanticism emphasized the individual's
emotional and spiritual experiences, which has
shaped modern concepts of identity. This
movement encouraged people to explore their
inner self, leading to greater acknowledgement of
diverse identities and personal narratives. This
focus on subjectivity has influenced contemporary
discussions around identity, including race, gender,
and culture.
8
Nature & Supernatural
Glorification of nature and its beauty
Romanticism celebrated the grandeur and
beauty of nature, seeing it as a powerful source of
inspiration and spiritual sustenance. Writers and
artists depicted landscapes filled with vivid emotions
and sublime awe, elevating the natural world beyond
mere scenery to a central theme in their works. This
glorification has fostered a deep appreciation for
nature that resonates in contemporary culture.
Impact on the modern
environmental movement
The Romantic view of nature as a source of beauty
and emotional depth has significantly impacted the
modern environmental movement. By fostering a
profound respect for the natural world, Romanticism
has inspired contemporary environmentalism,
advocating for conservation and a sustainable
relationship with nature. This legacy continues to
influence how we perceive and interact with our
environment today.
Development of fantasy and
horror genres
Romanticism's fascination with the
supernatural gave rise to new literary genres,
particularly fantasy and horror. Authors explored
themes of the eerie, the unknown, and the
mystical, pushing the boundaries of imagination
and storytelling. This genre evolution not only
entertained but also reflected the era's
complexities, haunted by fears and desires that
remain relevant in literature today.
Conclusions
Romanticism's legacy endures in our
cultural and intellectual life, constantly
challenging us to embrace emotion, individuality,
and our connection to nature. As we navigate
modern complexities, the movement's principles
resonate, encouraging ongoing exploration in
literature and the arts. Romanticism invites us to
reflect on our own experiences, emotions, and
the world around us.
Thank you!
• Do you have any questions?
CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, and includes icons,
infographics & images by Freepik
+ 9 1 6 2 0 4 2 1 8 3 8
