Sentimental Poetry and the Era of the Four Georges

Flashcards covering the historical context, characteristics, and key figures of Sentimental Poetry and the Four Georges era (1714-1830).

Era of the Four Georges

The period from 1714 to 1830 encompassing the reigns of George I ($1714-1727$), George II ($1727-1760$), George III ($1760-1820$), and George IV ($1820-1830$).

Sentimental Poetry

A movement emerging in the mid-18th century that focuses on emotion, melancholy, and the everyday human experience, marking the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

The event that provided historical stability leading into the era of the Four Georges.

Enlightenment Thinking

A shift towards reason, order, and logic that occurred during the era of the Four Georges.

Graveyard School

A key subgenre of sentimental poetry focusing on death, graveyards, and human mortality.

Thomas Gray

A key author of sentimental poetry famous for writing 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' in 1751.

Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard

A poem by Thomas Gray that reflects on the unnoticed lives of common people and the inevitability and equality of death.

Edward Young

Key author of sentimental poetry known for the work 'Night Thoughts.'

Robert Blair

Key author of sentimental poetry known for the work 'The Grave.'

William Cowper

A key author of sentimental poetry characterized by a later, more personal and emotional tone.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, whose growth was a significant historical development during the era of the Four Georges.