The Romantic Era in British Literature

What does it mean to call something Romantic? Let’s brainstorm on the board a short list of what comes to mind when you hear the word Romantic.

For each statement, write down “A” if you agree or “D” if you disagree 1. The answers to life’s most difficult questions can be found through discussions with a simple person who lives in the country close to nature—NOT with a sophisticated, well- educated person from the city. 2. The answer to life’s most difficult questions can be found through a connection with nature. 3. The use of one’s imagination is more important than rational (based on reason or fact) thought.

4. Knowledge is gained through gut reactions and hunches rather than level-headed, rational thought. 5. Nature is more important than art. 6. Experimental trial and error is a better process than the conventional scientific method. 7. Poetry should be spontaneous and full of emotion, not planned and straightforward. 8. Sensitivity, feelings, and spontaneity are more important than intellectualism.

Are you Romantic? Tally up your number of As: 2 or fewer A’s = not romantic 3 or 4 A’s = sort of romantic 5 or 6 A’s = highly romantic 7 or 8 A’s = extremely romantic Has your idea of the word Romantic changed in any way? If so, how?

Romanticism The words Romantic or Romance originally referred to Medieval tales of knights written in the original Roman language - Latin. These tales often included love stories between a knight and his lady - resulting in the modern meaning of romance. When talking about the Romantic Era in literature, we are actually referring to romantic as “freely imaginative fiction” and not romantic as in “romantic love.”

Let’s take a step back to the Age of Reason to better understand the Romantic Era

Age of Reason vs. Romantic Era In the Age of Reason, writers stressed: Reason and judgment Concern with the universal experience The value of society as a whole The value of rules In the Romantic Era, writers stressed: Imagination and emotion Concern with the particular experience The value of the individual human being The value of freedom

Characteristics/Values of the Romantic Era 1. Common Man and Childhood over Urban Sophistication Romantics believed in the natural goodness of humans, which is taken away by the urban life of civilization. They believed that the savage is noble, childhood is good, and the emotions inspired by both beliefs causes the heart to soar. 2. Emotions over Reason Romantics believed that knowledge is gained through intuition/instinct rather than reason. This is best summed up by Wordsworth who stated that “all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”

3. Nature over Artificial Romantics stressed the awe of nature in art and language and highly valued a connection with nature. Romantics rejected the ideas of the Industrial Revolution. 4. The Individual over Society Romantics often valued and emphasized the achievements of the misunderstood, individual outcast. 5. Imagination over Logic Romantics saw the individual imagination as valuable and a critical authority.

Which characteristics of the Romantic Era does this painting evoke? John Constable, The White Horse, 1819 (English)

Summary: The Romantics watched as cities grew, industry prospered and farming life declined. In an effort to reclaim nature, the Romantics made it a central force in their lives and their literature. Nature was celebrated as a source of delight, an image of love, and a model of moral perfection. To the Romantics, nature provided the guideline for their creative lives.

Five Major Romantic Era Poets William Wordsworth William Blake Lord Byron Percy Shelley John Keats

William Wordsworth Helped to launch the Romantic Age His most famous work is The Prelude. It chronicles the spiritual life of the poet. Has an interest and sympathy for the life and troubles of the “common man” He is considered the Nature Poet by focusing on ordinary people in country settings

William Blake Started writing poetry when he was 12 Blake was a nonconformist who associated with some of the leading radical thinkers of his day He rebelled against traditional poetic forms and techniques He valued imagination over reason

Lord Byron He indulged in excesses and had huge debts and many love affairs His most famous creations are his dark heroes, called Byronic heroes, who, in fact, were not heroes at all, but stood out from ordinary humans as larger than life

Percy Shelley Shelley had a very unconventional life and was very idealistic He was also a radical nonconformist He did not become famous until after his death Mary Shelley, who wrote Frankenstein, was his second wife.

John Keats During his life, his poems did not receive favorable reviews by the critics The poetry of Keats is characterized by sensual imagery, most notably in his odes

John Constable, Dedham Church and Vale, 1800 What Romantic Era themes does this painting evoke?