Romanticism Individual, the personal, and the emotional 1798-1832
Interest in the common man and childhood Noble savage: natural state of man is happy and good Inherently good: society seen an the corrupter Urban life hindrance (reaction to Industrial Revolution) Language more accessible “country folk” Folklore, ballads
Strong senses, emotions and feelings Movement of protest: desire for personal freedom and radical reform Didn’t reflect mainstream views of those in power Intuition vs. Deduction; Emotions vs. Reason and Rationality (Enlightenment and Neoclassicism) "poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”--Wordsworth
Awe of nature and supernatural Experience of the sublime: awe of nature as being bigger than us Beauty of nature in the country life Individual’s identity could be found in nature Fascination with mysterious and unreal: Gothic literature
Celebration of the individual Misunderstood, heroic individual outcast Common experience of society vs. experiences of the individual
Importance of imagination Individual imagination over critical authority Artist/Poet as creator vs. imitator Work reflects individuality and mind Exoticism: focus on the exotic an mysterious
Raft of the Medusa As you look at the photo, jot down things that you notice about the painting. Be ready to share with a partner. Now look at the photo again and decide what characteristics you see that are influenced by Romantic ideals; have a reason for your choices; you will share with a partner then the class
Raft of the Medusa History Elements of the painting Explication of the painting (handout): work with partner to explicate the painting As you read Frankenstein, what parts of the novel fit the characteristics of Romanticism? Use the blank chart you rec’d yesterday to organize your thoughts. This will be used for your summative discussion next week.