The Literary Movement

• Romanticism went from about 1790 to 1830 in English literature.
• They tried to convey feelings rather than concepts. Emphasis is on everyday language, before this, art was for the upper-class.
• Oscar Wilde believed in art for arts sake. It didn’t have any specific use, it was to be enjoyed. It was for the elite.
• It criticises the middle to upper classes and their passivity of only wanting to look beautiful.
• It is a time when reason does not explain everything. There is a presence of imagination and mysteries. These elements are used to establish literary movements from this time in general.
• Romanticism was very closely connected to the Gothic movement, and often borrowed elements from its characteristics.
• Divisions in the XIX century were based on: economic class, religion, national origin, and language.

At this time

• A “novel” is for realism / the realistic.
• A “narrative” is supposed to mean fiction.
• “Fiction” is the term for fantastical stories.
• Prose = novel. Fiction / narrative = fiction.

Characteristics

• Rationality was found wanting, reason was not the most apt way for humanity. Emotion became highly valued, sometimes being extremely passionate.
• Therefore, emotion and imagination were valued over logic and reason.
• They were fascinated with a distant time, and found interest in myths and legends, they sometimes reinterpreted old ballads and folktales.
• Also, an idealization of the past as a simpler time was often present. There are many medieval elements and historical backgrounds used.
• Stories tend to be set in the past, and the atmosphere leads you to break from reality.
• Nature was crucial in Romanticism, it served as many backdrops and inspired writers, it was a source of spirituality and beauty.
• The concept of “beauty” was explored and in certain ways, redefined. It explored beauty as a personal response (what is beautiful for some may not be for others); the beauty of sublime nature; and the mixed emotions inspired by the sublime, a beauty that transcends the ordinary.
• In Romanticism the individual, personal inspiration and imagination, the concept of “I” were all present, as well as human emotions.
• Subjectivity: a strong personal viewpoint, often visionary. Sometimes at the expense of objectivity and rationality.
• There was some tension between the two areas of being an individual and being a part of society, as the existing social order was frequently found wanting in its traditional values.
• A fascination with altered states of consciousness, sometimes drug-induced.
• Romanticism was a threat to established religion, as it expressed a spiritual and mystical significance.
• In general, Romantics were in favour of revolutionary and radical change. As time went by, some did start to favour more conservative ways, and growing a society in a more organic, rather than revolutionary way.
• Romanticism broke away from established writing norms and tried to bring a sense of spontaneity.

Themes

• Natural vs. artificial.
• There was a rejection of industrialization and urbanization because they distanced people away from nature and dehumanised them. This also welcomed a connection between nature and religion for some.
• Conventional codes were being increasingly more questioned, in favour of more individualistic and personally liberating ones.
• The human psyche was explored through dreams and nightmares, and often in altered mental states, madness, drug induced etc.
• Romantics focused on a state of innocence, and emotions that could accompany it, alienation, terror, madness, or wonder.
• There was a renewed interest in traditions and folklore, writers used old legends and customs to explore national identity.

“Journey” as a motif

• It allows for self-discovery.
• To experience nature and its awe (the sublime).
• To escape the city and its confinements.
• The heroic quest: an individual with difficulties to overcome goes on a journey, usually to better themselves or society, or conquer the heart of their love interest.
• Sometimes journeys were physical, other times they were metaphorical or altered states of consciousness. They usually helped to portray deeper issues and philosophies that troubled the writer, and represent a quest for freedom or spirituality.

Characters

• Heroic characters played a huge role, and were often expressed dramatically.
• The heroine: considered a Gothic character passed into Romantic literature, they often found themselves in mysterious situations.
• Anti-heroes were also sought out, like Emily Brontë’s Heathcliff.
• Nature lovers: they were described as having a deep connection with nature and it was the place they found solace.
• Outsiders were often present at this time, they didn’t fit in with societal norms or were rejected by their guardians. Sometimes they were misunderstood, other times they had become gruff in manner and harsh.
• Children were often portrayed as a symbol of innocence and vulnerability.
• It favoured the exotic for characters and settings, the unfamiliar captured their attention.