1. The Romantic Period
1780’s-1830’s

2. The Romantic Period
Major literary movement at the turn of the 19th Century
In England, associated with 6 major authors:
Blake *Byron
Wordsworth *Shelley
Coleridge *Keats

3. The Romantic Period
Developed a particular philosophy of literature, especially poetry
What subjects it should address
How it should be written

4. French Revolution Revolt of commoners against royalty
Seized control of government from monarchy
Claimed to represent “rights of man”
Liberty, equality, fraternity
End of royal privilege

5. French Revolution Revolution terrified conservatives in England
Saw as a sign civilization was collapsing
Afraid same thing would happen in England
*Many writers and intellectuals in England inspired by revolution
-saw as a dawn of a new age
-mankind moving towards perfect government

6. Revolution turns ugly “Reign of Terror” 1792-94
Royalists and suspected supporters executed
In England, anti-French sentiment grows
Fewer people sing praises of revolution
France seen as threat to the whole world
War against France declared, 1793
Napoleon becomes emperor, 1804

7. Failure=Dilemma for Romantics
Writers passionately believe in ideals of Revolution
Disappointed with reality
Can’t openly support revolution in England anymore

8. Romantics Solve Dilemma by Turning Inward
Romantic poetry focuses on personal reflection
Examines nature and the people’s reactions to nature
Generally avoids social and political issues
Wanted to change the way people thought about government and mankind
Few specific plans/suggestions

9. Romantic Poetry
Poets seen as People with Special Insight into Life/World
Can see the world in a deeper, more profound way
Their thoughts and reflections can bring insight to others
Therefore, poems should reveal workings of poets’ minds
Often autobiographical
Describe poets’ inner reactions to profound experiences

10. Romantic Poetry Poetry Portrayed as Spontaneous and Emotional
Wordsworth: Poetry is “The spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions recollected in tranquility.”
Not about rules, conventions
Can’t “learn” to write by studying past poets
Good poems come in flashes of insight
May be smoothed and polished later
Original idea=spontaneous

11. Romantic Poetry Nature as Inspiration/Source of Reflection
Believed nature had deeper wisdom than mankind
By experiencing nature, we can better understand the universe
Leads to better understanding of man’s purpose

12. Focus on Sublime and Disturbing Experiences
Believed there were things in the universe beyond human comprehension
Confronting them can shake our perception of the world
Helps us understand the limits of human wisdom
Shows us what we still don’t understand
By exploring this, we can challenge and expand our beliefs

13. Romantic Poetry Glorification of Commoners and Outcasts
Poor=closer to nature
Less contaminated by society
Closer to wisdom poet seeks
Wordsworth: Best poems are “situations from common life”
People working in fields
Chimney sweeps (Blake)

14. Romantic Poetry Millenial Expectations
Believed world on the verge of total change
Old systems of government would be thrown out
New, perfect system would emerge
Inequality and suffering would end
Believed poetry could and should lead the way
Shelley: “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the World.”