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Discover the captivating world of Romanticism through its focus on exotic settings and contemplation of the natural world, offering a contrasting perspective to rationalism. Explore the historical context of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society. Experience the pleasure derived from Romantic literature and its expression of discontent. Uncover the key elements and characteristics of Romanticism, including love for nature, distrust of civilization, and supernatural and allegorical elements. Immerse yourself in the light and dark aspects of Romanticism, from optimistic transcendentalism to cynical Gothic literature. Journey through works like Thoreau's Walden Pond and Melville's Moby-Dick, and explore the evocative art of Caspar David Friedrich and John Henry Fuseli.
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Focuses on Two Principles • Exploring exotic settings (past or present) • Contemplating the natural world
Romanticism vs. Rationalism • Romanticism developed in part as a reaction against rationalism as people realized the limitations of reason • Imagination, spontaneity,, individual feelings, naturewere of greater value than reason, logic, planning
Focus of Previous Writings RELIGIOUS ECONOMIC POLITICAL New Focus of Writing Pleasure Some claim this is where true American Literature originated.
History of the Times • The Industrial Revolution was changing the way people worked and lived. • Many were optimistic that machines would advance the nation’s progress. • However, the rise of industry led to overcrowding and disease in the cities.
Literature of the Times • The Romantic movement helped express the discontent arising from the Industrial Revolution. • Romantic writers viewed cities as places of immorality, corruption, and death. • By contrast, they associated the countryside with independence, clarity, and healthful living.
Romantic Elements • Love of the natural world • Distrust of civilization and society • Fascination with the “journey” • Idealistic, imaginary elements • Supernatural elements • Allegorical elements • Suspension of disbelief • Faith in the value of individualism Quote: “Romantic writers placed increasing value on the free expression of emotion and displayed increasing attention to the psychic states of their characters.” (McMichael)
LightRomantics • Overly Optimistic • Transcendentalism • Rejection of Rationalism • Feeling over reason • Individual expression over law and custom • Human spirit reflected in nature • Belief in utopia • All forms of being are spiritually united through a shared soul
Light Romantic journey away from the city to the world of nature
Romantic Literature Walden Pond –Henry David Thoreau
Romantic Art Caspar David FriedrichWanderer Above a Sea of Mist (1818)
Dark Romantics • Overly cynical, pessimistic • “Gothic” • Use of the supernatural • Suspension of disbelief • Allegorical • Story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for something else. • It can be read on a literal level and on a symbolic level. • Anti-transcendentalism • Nature is indifferent, unexplainable. • People possess potential for good or evil. • Psychological effects of guilt and sin are explored.
Dark Romantic Journey in Literature Herman Melville’s narrator, Ishmael, goes to the sea (nature) in Moby Dick
Dark Romantic Art John Henry Fuseli The Nightmare (1781)
