The Romantics and William Blake

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Romanticism, specifically focusing on the influences of the French and Industrial Revolutions on poets like William Blake and Wordsworth.

French Revolution

A major period of political upheaval that began in 1789, leading to significant changes in France and influencing ideas of liberty and democracy.

Romantic Poetry

A movement in literature that emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism, often contrasting with the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

William Blake

An artist and poet known for his visionary works, particularly 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', which explore complex themes of human existence.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution marked by extreme violence and political repression between 1793 and 1794.

Urbanization

The process of population shift from rural to urban areas, significantly accelerated by the Industrial Revolution.

Laissez-faire policy

An economic principle advocating minimal government intervention in the economy, often leading to exploitative practices in industrial settings.

Imagination in Romantic Poetry

A focus on creativity and the mysterious qualities of life and nature, exemplified by poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth.

Simplicity in Romantic themes

A celebration of humble and simple life experiences, often highlighted in the works of Blake and Wordsworth.

Apostrophe in poetry

A figure of speech in which the poet addresses a person or abstraction that is not present in the poem, as seen in Blake's 'The Lamb'.

Visionary poetry

Poetry that seeks to convey profound truths and insights, often through symbolic and mythical imagery.