1. http://www.ctcd.edu/communicat ions/bcornell/documents/Introduc tiontotheRomanticAgeofEnglish Literature.ppt

2. Romanticism 1770-1832 An artistic, literary, philosophic, religious, and political movement, which began in Europe in the late eighteenth century and later moved to America. This movement began as a reaction against Classicism and Neoclassicism, which focused on order, restraint, and rules.

3. The early Romantic period is often called the “age of revolutions” due to the influence of the American, French, and Industrial Revolutions. The Romantics set out to transform the theory and practice of poetry as well as the way we perceive the world.

4. Characteristics 1. Focus on imagination over reason and rules (Classicism) and realism 2. Focus on the individual and an individual’s experience

5. 3. Reverence for Nature –The Romantics believed that truth and God could be revealed through Nature. –They also believed that Nature is a manifestation of the Divine.

6. 4. Interest in the past, especially the Medieval 5. Focus on symbolism 6. New definition of poetry: “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” (Wordsworth)

7. 7. Language of literature reflects the language of the common man. 8. Idealization of rural life 9. Children are recognized for the first time as individuals.

8. 10. Interest in the grotesque, the strange, and supernatural in nature and art 11. Focus on human rights

9. William Wordsworth Pioneer of the Romantic Movement Influenced by the French Revolution, which stressed social justice and individual rights. Wrote lyric poems “Spots of time”

10. Samuel Taylor Coleridge His poetry, which showed tremendous imagination, was his way to escape poor health and self-doubt. He believed that literature is a magical blend of thought and imagination.

11. William Blake The first half of his work focused on lyric poetry. The second half focused on prophetic poetry.

12. He was influenced by what he called mystical experiences and visions. Some critics of the period thought him eccentric, possibly mad. He began his career as an engraver, illustrator, and drawing teacher. Later he would engrave all the illustrations for his poetry.

13. Because he insisted on doing all the engravings through an original process, the distribution of his poetry was limited. He was considered financially a failure, and his work did not receive positive recognition until after his death. In 1809, he sank into a depression and withdrew from society. He died in 1827.

14. Percy Bysshe Shelley Believed that humanity was capable of attaining a nearly perfect society. Became an outcast in England for his radical political beliefs, belief in atheism, and elopement.

15. George Gordon, Lord Byron A handsome, irresponsible aristocrat A “ladies’ man” Considered a dark, brooding, passionate man=Byronic Hero “Mad, bad, and dangerous to know,” according to Lady Caroline Lamb

16. John Keats Defender of worthy causes Pursuit of beauty is the goal of his poetry. Inspired by ancient Greece