British Romanticism

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and figures related to British Romanticism.

Romanticism

An artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe at the end of the 18th century and flourished between 1800 and 1850.

Lyrical Ballads

A collection of poems published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marking the beginning of British Romanticism.

Sturm und Drang

A pre-Romantic movement in German literature emphasizing individual subjectivity, revolt against society, and free expression of emotions.

Byronic Hero

An archetype of a romantic hero exemplified by Lord Byron's characters known for their rejection of social conventions and deep inner turmoil.

The Sublime

A concept in Romanticism that signifies the awe-inspiring, grandeur of nature that evokes powerful emotional responses in humans.

The Spirit of the Age

A book by William Hazlitt that claims the Wordsworth school of poetry originated in the French Revolution, marking a significant transition in thought.

Emphasis on Individualism

A key characteristic of Romanticism that values the achievements of heroic individualists and artists over societal norms.

Emphasis on Imagination

The belief that the human imagination is central to the artistic experience, contrasting with the Enlightenment's focus on reason.

Art for Art’s Sake

A principle in Romanticism advocating that the value of art lies in its beauty and self-expression rather than moral or political messages.

Nature and the Common Man

A theme in Romantic literature focusing on the beauty of nature and the importance of the experiences of ordinary people.