Romanticism & Realism

Romanticism – reaction to ideals of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution; emphasis on feelings, emotions, and imagination (not reason). Literature: Characters often misunderstood and rejected Find self-worth through inner feelings Individualism Love of past – especially Middle Ages Art: Reflection of artists’ inner feelings Abandoned reason for warmth and emotion

The Prisoner of Chillon, Eugene Delacroix “They chain'd us each to a column stone, And we were three - yet, each alone; We could not move a single pace, We could not see each other's face, But with that pale and livid light That made us strangers in our sight: And thus together - yet apart, Fetter'd in hand, but join'd in heart…” Lord Byron, The Prisoner of Chillon

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein “When I placed my head upon my pillow, I did not sleep, nor could I be said to think. . . . I saw--with shut eyes, but acute mental vision--I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half-vital motion. Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavor to mock the stupendous Creator of the world…” From Introduction to 3rd ed. of Frankenstein She believed when science, or man, dares to try and conquer nature – a monster is created Romanticism is against elements of the Industrial Revolution

Other Authors/Poets of Note during Romantic Period William Wordsworth Edgar Allen Poe William Blake

The Excursion (1814), Wordsworth Meanwhile, at social Industry's command How quick, how vast an increase. From the germ Of some poor hamlet, rapidly produced Here a huge town, continuous and compact Hiding the face of earth for leagues - and there, Where not a habitation stood before, Abodes of men irregularly massed Like trees in forests, - spread through spacious tracts. O'er which the smoke of unremitting fires Hangs permanent, and plentiful as wreaths Of vapour glittering in the morning sun. And, wheresoe'er the traveller turns his steps He sees the barren wilderness erased, Or disappearing; triumph that proclaims How much the mild Directress of the plough Owes to alliance with these new-born arts! The Excursion (1814), Wordsworth - Hence is the wide sea peopled, - hence the shores Of Britain are resorted to by ships Freighted from every climate of the world With the world's choicest produce. Hence that sum Of keels that rest within her crowded ports Or ride at anchor in her sounds and bays; That animating spectacle of sails That, through her inland regions, to and fro Pass with the respirations of the tide, Perpetual, multitudinous! . . . . . . I grieve, when on the darker side Of this great change I look; and there behold Such outrage done to nature as compels The indignant power to justify herself; Yea, to avenge her violated rights. For England's bane.

William Blake – Highly Religious, Created Art to Depict his Emotions and Beliefs

Ludwig van Beethoven – “I must write [music], for what weighs on my heart, I must express.”

Realism – belief that the world should be viewed realistically; against Romanticism. Literature: Write about ordinary people Uses precise description; not emotion or feeling Prefer novels to poems Art: Show everyday life of ordinary people Use of photography

Gustave Courbet, The Stone Breakers

Industrial Revolution, Krupp

Jean-Francois Millet, The Gleaners

Frederic Edwin Church, Church Heart of the Andes

William Bliss Baker, Fallen Monarchs

Photography