1. A Movement Across the Arts
Romanticism
A Movement Across the Arts

2. Definition
Romanticism refers to a movement in art, literature, and music during the 19th century.
Romanticism is characterized by the 5 “I”s
Imagination
Intuition (nature as a source of spirituality)
Idealism (seeing the common man as a hero)
Inspiration (looking to the past for wisdom)
Individuality

3. Imagination Imagination was emphasized over “reason.”
This was a backlash against the “Age of Reason.”
Imagination was considered necessary for creating all art.

4. Intuition (nature as a source of spirituality)
Romantics placed value on “intuition,” or feeling and instincts, over reason.
Emotions were important in Romantic art.
Romantics wanted to find God in nature – embrace their spiritual roots – find God in nature.

5. Idealism (seeing the common man as a hero)
Idealism is the concept that we can make the world a better place.
Having a solid, moral code and looking to a higher power
Expressed the optimism of the time

6. Inspiration (looking to the past for wisdom)
Here we see new stories created from old legends of the past.
Romantics believed in “going with the moment” or being spontaneous, rather than “getting it precise.”

7. Individuality Romantics celebrated the individual.
During this time period, Women’s Rights and Abolitionism were taking root as major movements.
Celebrated finding independence not only politically, but artistically.

8. Origins
Romanticism began to take root as a movement following the French Revolution.
Storming of the Bastille
Overthrowing Napoleon Bonaparte– movie will show this

9. The Arts
Romanticism was a movement across all the arts: visual art, music, and literature.

10. Literature In America, Romanticism most strongly impacted literature.
Writers explored supernatural and gothic themes.
Creativity and imagination over fact and reason.
Short story was prominent.