Western civil -2025-03-10

Class Announcements

• Time Change: 07:15 is now 08:15; no need to be here early.

• Upcoming Assessments:

  • Test on Monday

  • Quiz on Friday to ensure understanding before the test.

Study Tips

• Review Strategy: Start reviewing notes early rather than waiting for study guides.

  • Avoid piecemeal studying; instead, connect concepts as you read through notes.

  • Understand both individual details and the big picture in history.

Recent Break Reflection

• Use the break to relax but re-engage in academic activities now to prepare for the upcoming assessments.

Class Structure Changes

• Appointments moved from Thursday to Friday; maintain same times.

Art Discussion

• Primary Sources: Identify images and their respective artists and dates:

  • John Martin (1817): Depicts a Welsh escape from massacre under King Edward I, illustrating a dramatic landscape.

  • John Constable (1816) and J.M.W. Turner (1844): Both are significant romantic artists; Constable is known for landscapes.

• Themes in Artwork:

  • Emotional responses elicited by the paintings:

    • John Martin's work evokes feelings of triumph and escape.

    • Contrast between nature and industrialization in imagery.

Romanticism Overview

• What is Romanticism?

  • Occurred between 1800-1850, known as the "Age of Emotion."

  • Reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, emphasizing feelings and human creativity.

  • Involves various emotions: joy, anxiety, sadness, triumph.

Historical Context

• Motivations for Romanticism:

  • Industrial Revolution's mechanization.

  • Response to Enlightenment ideals focusing on reason over emotions.

  • Broader social changes—Napoleonic wars influenced artistic and literary expression.

Characteristics of Romantic Art and Literature

• Themes:

  • Celebration of individual emotion and creativity.

  • Interest in nature and the past (especially medieval times).

  • Existential reflections through art and literature.

Notable Romantic Poets

• First Generation:

  • William Wordsworth: Focus on nature and sentiments associated with it.

  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Explores profound emotional experience.

  • William Blake: Critiques industrialization, referring to factories as "dark satanic mills."

• Second Generation:

  • Percy Shelley: Touches on taboo subjects; known for his powerful expressions of emotion.

  • John Keats: Notable for brief yet impactful contributions to the romantic poetry scene.

  • Lord Byron: Popular for his emotive, structured poems and dramatic life story.

Influence on Future Generations

• The Romantic movement influenced not only literature but also the understanding of art and shared cultural narratives, leading to the emergence of nationalist sentiments through stories and shared histories.

• Example: Grimm Brothers' collection of fairy tales used to foster a sense of German nationalism.

Architecture and Literature

• Romanticism's Architectural Revival: Interest in restoring medieval cathedrals and promoting Gothic architecture, reflecting emotions associated with historical and spiritual identity.

• Key Literary Figures:

  • Victor Hugo: Author of "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and "Les Misérables"; explores themes of human dignity and compassion.

Poetic Devices and Themes in Romantic Literature

• Emotional Exploration: Romantic poets sought to evoke deep emotional responses and create a connection between the reader and nature, human experience, and the fundamental struggle for freedom and identity.

• Complexity of Emotions: Exploration of both positive and negative emotions, acknowledging the full spectrum of human experience.

Conclusion:

• Romanticism serves as a significant cultural turning point, shaping modern perspectives on emotion, art, and individualism in the context of rapid industrial and societal transformations.