Romantic Period and Introduction to Gothic Literature

Romantic Period Review

  • Transition from Romanticism to Gothic:
    • Ending the Romantic period and leading into Gothic literature.
    • Mary Shelley's Frankenstein serves as a bridge, incorporating both Romantic and Gothic elements.

Frankenstein: Romantic and Gothic Elements

  • Frankenstein as a Reflection of Societal Treatment:
    • Like the character in Wicked, the creature in Frankenstein is shaped by its treatment.
    • The creature's monstrous nature arises from how it is treated rather than being inherent.
  • The Misunderstood Monster:
    • Frankenstein is the doctor, not the creature.

Romantic Ideals Revisited

  • Core Tenets of Romanticism:
    • Emphasis on nature, rustic life, and common people.
  • Rebellion Against Rationalism:
    • Romantics push back against purely rational thought.
  • Spirituality in Nature:
    • Blake's spirituality and belief in God working through nature.
    • Coleridge's focus on creativity and imagination.
    • Wordsworth's concept of spirit emerging through nature.
    • Spirituality found through nature.
  • The Universal Soul and Childlike Innocence:
    • Emphasis on free play and innocence.
    • Link to Wordsworth's early loss of parents, influencing his focus on childlike behavior.

Escapism and Imagination

  • Escapism:
    • Escapism as a key element. Example: Avatar.
  • Individuality:
    • The painting of a man atop a cliff symbolizes individuality.
    • Escapism also applicable to Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey, where he brings his sister for a similar experience.
    • Reference to a line about preferring to be a pagan.
  • Paganism:
    • Nature as a Source of Spirituality:
      • Rebellion against Organized Religion:
        • Romantics were spiritual but questioned organized religion.

Wisdom from the Past and the Common Hero

  • Allusions to the Past:
    • Use of odes and allusions in poetry.
  • Focus on the Everyday Individual:
    • Emphasis on common people rather than epic heroes like kings and queens.
  • Modern Examples of the Common Hero:
    • Indiana Jones and Luke Skywalker as examples.
    • These characters are still relevant and influential today.

The Enduring Impact of Romanticism

  • Romanticism's Pervasive Influence:
    • Romanticism permeates society more than other periods.
  • Pivotal Time Period:
    • Significant growth in society during the Romantic era, leading to growth in art, culture, literature, and music.

Next Steps

  • Mary Shelley Video:
    • A five-and-a-half-minute video on Mary Shelley will be shown next.