Romanticism and Realism: A Comparative Analysis of Literary Movements
ROMANTICISM (SUMMARY)
Romanticism, an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement originating in late 18th-century Europe, emerged as a reaction to the Enlightenment. It emphasized emotional sensitivity and individual subjectivity, prioritizing imagination over reason as the primary creative force.
Key Romantic Poems
- “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth
- “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
- “Dreams” by John Dryden
CHARACTERISTICS OF ROMANTICISM
In stark contrast to the Enlightenment’s focus on objective rationality, Romanticism championed intuition and emotion. Key characteristics include:
- Emphasis on feelings and intuition over reason
- Fascination with the supernatural
- Celebration of the common man as a hero
- Reverence for nature as a source of spirituality
- Reliance on imagination and escapism
CHAPTER 20: BRITAIN’S ROMANTIC ERA
The Years of Self-Confidence
By 1851, Britain’s industrial prowess was unmatched, producing more iron than the rest of the world combined. Coal, steel, and iron fueled both domestic growth and exports, leading to the decline of local industries. The rise of industrial goods, such as iron ships and steam engines, along with affordable woolen and cotton clothing, marked this era.
The Impact of Railways
The advent of railways revolutionized transportation, enabling efficient movement of goods and providing the middle class with new travel opportunities.
The Rise of the Middle Classes
The Industrial Revolution spurred the growth of the middle class, encompassing professionals and those involved in commerce.
Urbanization and its Challenges
Rapid urbanization led to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in cities and towns, resulting in outbreaks of diseases like cholera. Slum areas emerged to house factory workers.
Population and Politics
The repeal of the Corn Laws, which had imposed tariffs on imported grain, signaled a shift towards free trade. The Conservative Party, representing the middle class, and the Liberal Party emerged as dominant political forces. The rise of trade unionism laid the foundation for the Labour Party. Reorganization efforts aimed to improve governance, social conditions, and political systems.
The Monarchy in Transition
The rise of democracy gradually diminished the political power of the monarchy.
Queen and Empire
Britain’s empire expanded through trade, with the nation maintaining a strong naval presence and engaging in wars to protect its interests. British settlements offered a solution to the growing population.
Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
Industrialization impacted Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, leading to their economic and political weakening.
REALISM: THE VICTORIAN ERA (1837-1901)
Realism, a literary movement originating in 1850s France, arose as a reaction against Romanticism. It aimed to depict “life as it was” in literature across Europe. While the concept of realism is debated, it serves as a valuable lens for understanding the late 19th century’s emphasis on reason, positivism, and the artist’s ability to portray reality.
The Rise of the Novel
Novels became the dominant literary form of the Victorian era, enjoyed by an expanding educated middle class. Notable novelists include:
- Walter Scott
- Jane Austen
- The Brontë sisters
- Charles Dickens
- William M. Thackeray
Children’s Literature
The era also saw the emergence of renowned children’s authors such as Lewis Carroll, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Helen Beatrix Potter.
Key Realistic Poems
- “The Chimney Sweeper” by William Blake
- “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift
The End of an Age: Chapter 21 (Realism)
Social and Economic Progress
The late 19th century witnessed significant improvements in the living conditions of the poor in Britain. Most homes had heating, lighting, and access to better food. Education Acts mandated schooling for all children up to the age of 13, focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Scotland’s established state education system, including four universities, served as a model for England’s “red brick” universities.
Advancements in Various Spheres
Improvements extended to workers’ housing, factory conditions, public health, and education. The authority of the church also declined.
Leisure and Recreation
By 1880, increased leisure time allowed people to enjoy newly established museums, parks, swimming pools, and libraries. Railways became a means of travel for pleasure, and the invention of the bicycle further expanded recreational opportunities.
The Importance of Sport
Cricket and football gained immense popularity during the 19th century. Cricket evolved from a “gentleman’s” sport to a beloved village game, while football, initially organized for the upper class, quickly spread across all social strata.
Shifting Ideologies
The concept of personal freedom, central to capitalism, gained prominence. Capitalist economists advocated for minimal government intervention in trade and industry. However, by 1820, legislation aimed at improving worker conditions began to emerge, and many factory owners implemented reforms on their own initiative.