Genre Studies- Unit- II Romantic Period (1745-1798)

 Romantic Period (1745-1798)

Romanticism is a style in fine arts and 

literature.

• It contrasts with classicism; importance to 

subjectivity, emotions, nature, revolution etc.

• Medieval romances influenced Romantic 

movement with the legendary materials, 

themes of courtly love, seduction and also 

fantasy and imaginative freedom.

• These elements were revived in the late 18th century, hence it is called the Romantic Revival.

Romanticism was revived due to the 

rediscovery of Shakespeare, folk traditions 

along with revival of fairytales.

• Bishop Percy collected English Ballads for the first time in 1765.

• Orientalism also flourished at this time.

• American and French Revolutions gave 

importance to the freedom of individuals.

• The writings of Rousseau who talked bout 

passion and the noble savage.

The ideal of picturesque was introduced by 

William Gilpin in 1782.

• Dramatic scenes of nature.

• The writers are discontented in the modern 

world and they wanted to escape into the 

supernatural.

• Romanticism first emerged in Germany, 

Coleridge and other writers brought 

Romanticism to England.

Features of Romanticism and the Quotes 

• Freedom of Expression: “Poetry is the 

spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings 

resulting from emotions recollected in 

tranquility”- Wordsworth

• Revolution: “Men for England, wherefore 

plough For the lords who lay ye low?”- Shelley 

• Original, strong authentic feelings: “Oh lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud! I fall upon the thorns of life! I bleed”- Shelley

Natural Language: “I listen, motionless and still. And as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, long after it was heard no more”- Wordsworth

• Individualism: “Poet as a Prophet, seer and legistrator”- Wordsworth

• Idealization of ordinary life: “I met a little Cottage Girl; She was eight years old, she said; her hair thick with many a curl”- Wordsworth