Romanticism: A Literary Movement
Origins and Characteristics
In the late 18th century, a new literary sensibility emerged, known as Romanticism. It emphasized the supremacy of feelings and emotions over reason and logic. Romanticism also embraced elements of nostalgia, emotionalism, and individualism.
Romantics believed that nature was a source of inspiration and joy. They sought to escape the industrialization and urbanization of the time by retreating to the countryside, where they could reconnect with the natural world.
First Generation of Romantic Poets
William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a leading figure in the Romantic movement. He believed that poetry should use simple language to express the emotions and experiences of ordinary people.
Wordsworth’s poetry often explored the relationship between humans and nature. He saw nature as a source of wisdom and inspiration.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was another prominent Romantic poet. He was known for his use of vivid imagery and his exploration of the supernatural.
Coleridge’s most famous poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, tells the story of a sailor who is cursed after killing an albatross.
The Lyrical Ballads
In 1798, Wordsworth and Coleridge published a collection of poems called Lyrical Ballads. This collection is considered to be the beginning of the English Romantic movement.
Lyrical Ballads included poems by both Wordsworth and Coleridge. Wordsworth’s poems focused on ordinary life, while Coleridge’s poems explored the supernatural.
Second Generation of Romantic Poets
The second generation of Romantic poets included George Gordon Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats.
George Gordon Byron
George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) was a charismatic and controversial figure. His poetry was known for its passion, intensity, and rebelliousness.
Byron’s most famous work is Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, a long poem that tells the story of a young man who travels through Europe in search of adventure.
Conclusion
Romanticism was a significant literary movement that emphasized the importance of emotion, imagination, and nature. The Romantic poets left a lasting legacy on English literature and continue to inspire readers today.