Romantic period context

When was the Romantics period

1798 until 1837

When was the French Revolution and how did it inspire Romantic poets

1789-1799. Inspired them with ideas of freedom, equality, and rebellion against authority

When was the industrial revolution and how did it inspire Romantic poets

Was between 1750 and 1900. Romantics opposed industrialisation, favouring nature’s beauty and critiquing urbanisation and its dehumanising effects

How did Romantic poets view emotion and imagination

They valued intense emotion and imagination over reason, highlighting personal feelings, intuition, and the sublime

How did Romantic poets view nature

They idealised it as a source of spiritual renewal and truth, and often portrayed it as an escape from societal corruption and industrial life. It is a central theme to Romantics poetry

How did Romantics poets view the sublime

They explored the sublime - experiences of awe and terror in nature - reflecting on humanity’s place in the vast natural world

What is the Byronic hero and what did they think of individualism

They celebrated the individual experience and introduced the Byronic hero. Byronic hero: brooding, rebellious, complex character embodying personal freedom

How did they draw influence from Gothic and Medievalism

They drew heavy inspiration from medieval themes and Gothic elements, embracing mystery, the supernatural, and historical nostalgia

What did Romanticism emerge as a counter-movement to

Enlightenment rationalism. They favoured emotion, nature, and individual experience over reason and scientific thought

How did Romantic poets view themselves

Saw themselves as prophets or visionaries, tasked with revealing deeper truths and challenging societal norms through their art

What did many Romantic poets advocate for

Many advocated for social change, addressing issues like poverty, child labor, and inequality - reflected their humanitarian concerns