The Romantic Period (1800 - 1850)

Romanticism (1790-1850)

Literary movement emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism, reacting against Neoclassical logic and order.

Romantic (Origin)

From French “romant,” meaning a romantic story told in verse.

Focus on Emotion

Romantics valued feelings and imagination over reason, seeing emotion as a powerful source of inspiration.

Love of Nature

Nature seen as a source of beauty, truth, and healing; often central in poetry.

Individualism

Celebration of personal freedom, self-expression, and unique human experiences.

Idealization of Women

Women were often portrayed as pure, virtuous, or inspiring figures in Romantic literature.

Innocence of Children

Children valued as symbols of purity, unspoiled by culture or society.

Isolation and Melancholy

Romantics embraced solitude and sadness as part of human experience.

Simple Language

Romantic writers often used accessible, natural language to express deep feeling.

Interest in Supernatural

Themes of mystery, the unknown, and supernatural events often appear in Romantic works.

Common People

Romantics appreciated ordinary people, valuing their natural connection to life and innocence.

Pastoral Poem

Poetry focusing on country life, landscapes, and nature; idealizes rural settings.

It is a Beauteous Evening

Wordsworth’s pastoral poem celebrating nature, God’s presence, and innocence.

Simile (Wordsworth)

“As if the world is hushed with admiration… like a nun” → comparison showing awe and reverence for nature.

Sunset Imagery

Describes the sun setting on the horizon, attributing its beauty and gentleness to God.

Innocence (Wordsworth’s Daughter)

The poet observes his daughter as untouched by solemn thought, representing natural purity.

Religious Experience

Wordsworth connects the beauty of nature with divine presence, showing spiritual reflection.

Context of Poem

Inspired by a walk with Wordsworth’s 9-year-old daughter, highlighting childlike innocence and spiritual awakening.

Prominent Romantic Writers

John Keats, William Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley.