Romanticism

Romanticism defined A philosophy of American history and literature that placed emphasis on the importance of emotion and the self- discovery of the individual. A philosophy of American history and literature that placed emphasis on the importance of emotion and the self- discovery of the individual. Romanticist authors felt that reason (rationalism) was important, but not the surest guide to the truth. Romanticist authors felt that reason (rationalism) was important, but not the surest guide to the truth.

Art All art is the imaginative expression of the inner essence of the individual All art is the imaginative expression of the inner essence of the individual Nothing is more characteristic of Romanticism than its defense of the potential of the individual and its claim for individual freedom. Nothing is more characteristic of Romanticism than its defense of the potential of the individual and its claim for individual freedom. Romantics stressed the human potential for social progress and spiritual growth by individual introspection. Romantics stressed the human potential for social progress and spiritual growth by individual introspection.

Romanticism succeeded because… The emerging new nation was expanding physically, economically, and politically and the idea of the emphasis on the individual echoed the message within The Declaration of Independence. The emerging new nation was expanding physically, economically, and politically and the idea of the emphasis on the individual echoed the message within The Declaration of Independence. Humanitarian reform – in everything from the abolition of slavery to improvements in education were marks of Romanticism. Humanitarian reform – in everything from the abolition of slavery to improvements in education were marks of Romanticism.

Romanticism in literature… Romantic writers varied widely in form (some wrote prose, others poetry) but there were certain subjects that were characteristic of Romantic attitudes. Romantic writers varied widely in form (some wrote prose, others poetry) but there were certain subjects that were characteristic of Romantic attitudes.

Nature Nature – emphasized the beauty, strangeness and mystery of nature – saw it as constantly changing – can serve the imagination Nature – emphasized the beauty, strangeness and mystery of nature – saw it as constantly changing – can serve the imagination Nature is influential on the individual Nature is influential on the individual

The Past Many Romantic writers used dramatic incidents from our early history. Many Romantic writers used dramatic incidents from our early history. American literature gradually developed a sense of national past and of an emerging national character. American literature gradually developed a sense of national past and of an emerging national character.

The Inner World of Human Nature Emphasis on emotions, intuition, and the individual Emphasis on emotions, intuition, and the individual Encouraged exploration and the expression of the writer’s most private inner being Encouraged exploration and the expression of the writer’s most private inner being Literature explored the psychological Literature explored the psychological

Major Authors Washington Irving - folklore Washington Irving - folklore Edgar Allen Poe – true Romantic, explored the psychological Edgar Allen Poe – true Romantic, explored the psychological James Fenimore Cooper - wilderness and adventure tales James Fenimore Cooper - wilderness and adventure tales Nathaniel Hawthorne – historical writing, explored our past traditions and their impact Nathaniel Hawthorne – historical writing, explored our past traditions and their impact Herman Melville – adventure + psychological Herman Melville – adventure + psychological William Cullen Bryant – nature, poetry William Cullen Bryant – nature, poetry