Romanticism

Romanticism was a literary, artistic, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century and reached its peak during the 19th century. It was a reaction against the rationalism and enlightenment ideals of the 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, imagination, and a deep appreciation of nature (Curran 43, 46).

The Romantic era was marked by significant societal transformations, including the industrial revolution as well as the rise of liberal movements, religious upheavals, middle class education, and political instability all hovered over by the French Revolution (Curran 14). However, the revolutionary spirit was also evident in Great Britain as a result of the colonial failures of the 1780s and the political tension which occasionally erupted into violence, such as the Peterloo massacre of 1819 (ibid). The need for change was felt in various regions of the country (Mee 31).

Romantic poets used poetry to explicitly express their thoughts on political and social issues. They rejected the neoclassical style and adopted a more personal and impressionistic approach, expressing their subjective experiences through their works (Dart 612) Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Romanticism is the dominance of the lyric poem. These poems, often spoken in the first person, explore the inner workings of the poet's heart and mind, finding correspondences in the natural world (Esterhammer 87). The "Lyrical Ballads" collection by Wordsworth and Coleridge exemplifies this shift in poetry, emphasizing powerful feelings and introspection.

The Romantic era produced an array of poetic voices, from the older generation of Wordsworth, and Coleridge to younger poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley (Clark 329). Women poets like Charlotte Smith, and Mary Robinson also made significant contributions (Curran 38).

In summary, British Romanticism was a revolutionary period that transformed the way poets understood their art and its connection to the world. It emphasized individuality, emotional expression, and the exploration of nature.

Bibliography:

Clark, Ashley. “Romanticism.“ The Cambridge History of Atheism, edited by Bullivant, Stephen and Michael Ruse, Cambridge University Press, 2021, pp. 329-345.

Curran, Stuart. Poetic Form and British Romanticism. Oxford University Press, 1986.

Dart, Gregory. “Practical Criticism.“ The Oxford Handbook of British Romanticism, edited by David Duff, Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 608-624.

Esterhammer, Angela. “The 1820s and Beyond.“ The Oxford Handbook of British Romanticism, edited by David Duff, Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 74-90.

Mee, Jon. “The Revolutionary Decade.“ The Oxford Handbook of British Romanticism, edited by David Duff, Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 30-43.