Dark Romanticism Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and themes of Dark Romanticism based on lecture notes.

What is Dark Romanticism?

A literary movement that emphasizes intuition, imagination, and the darker aspects of human nature, contrasting with the ideals of Romanticism.

How does Dark Romanticism differ from Romanticism regarding human nature?

Dark Romanticism presents individuals as prone to sin and self-destruction, whereas Romanticism often depicts the inherent goodness of humanity.

What themes are commonly found in Dark Romantic literature?

Themes include the grotesque and macabre, the supernatural, and a cynical view of humanity.

What perspective does Dark Romanticism take on nature?

Nature is viewed as a more sinister force that can reveal dark truths about humanity.

What character archetypes are commonly found in Dark Romanticism?

Characters are often complex, not inherently good, and may struggle against their darker impulses.

What literary elements are emphasized in Dark Romanticism?

Elements of the supernatural, intuition, imagination, and the exploration of the grotesque.

How do Dark Romantic authors portray the natural world?

As dark, decaying, and mysterious, often revealing hellish truths.

What is symbolism in literature?

The use of objects or events to represent larger ideas or themes.

What is an allusion?

A reference to something famous, such as a biblical or literary work.

What is irony in literature?

A difference between expectation and reality.

What does foreshadowing refer to?

Hints or clues provided by the author about how the story will unfold.

What is an allegory?

A story or poem interpreted to reveal a moral or political meaning.

What role does intuition play in Dark Romanticism?

Intuition is favored over reason and is seen as a means of understanding deeper truths.

Describe the view of civilization in Dark Romanticism.

Civilization is often seen as corrupt, leading characters to seek truth away from it.

What is the significance of character complexity in Dark Romanticism?

Complex characters reflect the struggles with moral ambiguity and human flaws.

How does Dark Romanticism treat the theme of self-destruction?

It presents characters who are prone to self-destructive behaviors and thoughts.

What sets Gothic literature apart from general Dark Romanticism?

Gothic literature intensifies elements of horror and the supernatural in narratives.

What is the purpose of satire in Dark Romanticism?

To critique societal norms and human nature through humor and irony.

How do Dark Romantic stories often end?

Typically, they reflect failure in attempts to change or escape a grim fate.

What is the relationship between Dark Romanticism and the concept of the sublime?

Dark Romanticism explores the sublime through fear and awe inspired by nature's destructive power.

What is the impact of the grotesque in Dark Romanticism?

It stresses the darker aspects of humanity and the unsettling aspects of life.

How does Dark Romanticism reflect on human emotions?

It highlights emotions of despair, fear, and existential struggle.

Why are heroes depicted as common men in Romantic literature?

To reflect the journey of seeking truth and understanding beyond societal corruption.

How are the supernatural elements portrayed in Dark Romanticism?

They are often connected to the grotesque, enhancing themes of dread and moral ambiguity.

What message about change and improvement can be interpreted from Dark Romanticism?

Attempts to make changes for the better are frequently shown to be futile.

How do the authors’ views shape their narratives in Dark Romanticism?

Authors' cynical perspectives on humanity influence the portrayal of characters and settings.

What is 'The Raven' about?

'The Raven' is a narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe that explores themes of grief, loss, and despair through the speaker's interaction with a mysterious raven that visits him.

What is the significance of the raven in Poe's poem?

The raven symbolizes mourning and serves as a constant reminder of the speaker's lost love, Lenore.

How does the structure of 'The Raven' contribute to its themes?

The poem employs a consistent meter and rhyme scheme, which creates a hypnotic effect that mirrors the speaker's escalating madness and despair.

What emotions does the speaker experience throughout 'The Raven'?

The speaker experiences a range of emotions including sorrow, hopelessness, and madness, ultimately culminating in despair.

What is the refrain used in 'The Raven,' and what is its effect?

The refrain 'Nevermore' is used by the raven as a response to the speaker's questions, emphasizing the finality of death and loss.

How does 'The Raven' illustrate themes relevant to Dark Romanticism?

The poem explores the darker aspects of human emotions and the nature of grief, aligning with Dark Romanticism's focus on despair and the grotesque.

What setting is established in 'The Raven,' and how does it contribute to the poem's mood?

The poem is set in a dark, dreary chamber at midnight, enhancing the somber and ominous mood as the speaker grapples with his feelings of loss.

What literary devices are most prominent in 'The Raven'?

Prominent literary devices include alliteration, internal rhyme, symbolism, and repetition.

How does Poe use imagery in 'The Raven'?

Poe's vivid imagery creates an atmosphere of gloom and sadness, further immersing the reader in the speaker's emotional turmoil.

What is the climax of 'The Raven'?

The climax occurs when the speaker realizes that the raven will not bring him comfort, leading him to a complete understanding of his despair.

Who is Washington Irving and what is he known for in American Romanticism?

Washington Irving was an American author known for his stories that blend humor and moral lessons, particularly in works like 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.'

What is the plot of 'Rip Van Winkle'?

'Rip Van Winkle' follows a man who falls asleep in the woods and wakes up 20 years later to find that the world has changed and his wife has passed away, reflecting themes of change and identity.

What characteristics define Dark Romanticism?

Dark Romanticism emphasizes human fallibility, sin, and the darker aspects of existence, often contrasting with the optimism of American Romanticism.

What themes are explored in Nathaniel Hawthorne's works?

Hawthorne explores themes of guilt, sin, and the complexities of human nature, often set against a Puritan backdrop.

What is the central theme of 'Young Goodman Brown'?

'Young Goodman Brown' explores the loss of innocence and the nature of evil as the protagonist discovers the hypocrisy and darkness in his community.

What is the significance of 'The Minister's Black Veil'?

In 'The Minister's Black Veil,' Hawthorne uses the veil as a symbol of secret sin and the inability of individuals to connect openly because of their hidden guilt.

What defines Gothic Literature?

Gothic Literature is characterized by its focus on horror, the supernatural, and dark, brooding settings, often exploring themes of madness and decay.

How does Edgar Allan Poe contribute to Gothic Literature?

Poe is known for his masterful use of atmosphere, psychological horror, and themes of death and despair in works such as 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'

What is the central plot of 'The Fall of the House of Usher'?

'The Fall of the House of Usher' tells the story of Roderick Usher and his sister Madeline, exploring themes of fear, isolation, and the supernatural as their ancestral home crumbles.

How does the setting in 'The Fall of the House of Usher' contribute to its themes?

The eerie and decaying mansion reflects the psychological states of the characters and enhances themes of dread and inevitable decay.