Romanticism

Definition

Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. This movement often reacted against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and celebrated the imagination and creativity of human beings. In literature and art, Romanticism sought to express deep feelings, explore the sublime, and embrace the beauty and complexity of the human experience, often reflecting themes found in classical works such as those by Ovid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romanticism flourished between the late 18th century and the mid-19th century, influencing literature, art, music, and philosophy across Europe and beyond.
2. Ovid's themes of transformation and passion resonated deeply with Romantic writers, who often incorporated mythological elements into their works.
3. The movement was marked by a rejection of industrialization's impact on society, often romanticizing rural life and nature as sources of inspiration.
4. Notable Romantic figures include poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who were inspired by Ovid's exploration of human emotion and nature.
5. The influence of Romanticism can be seen in later artistic movements that continued to prioritize emotion, individual perspective, and the beauty of nature.

Review Questions

• How did Romanticism react against Enlightenment ideals, particularly in relation to Ovid's influence?
  • Romanticism emerged as a response to the rationalism and order emphasized during the Enlightenment. While Enlightenment thinkers valued logic and scientific reasoning, Romanticism embraced emotion, imagination, and individual experience. Ovid's works exemplified this emotional depth with their focus on transformation and passion, which inspired Romantic writers to explore similar themes in their own literature.
• In what ways did Ovid's storytelling techniques contribute to the characteristics of Romantic literature?
  • Ovid's use of vivid imagery, emotional narratives, and mythological elements greatly influenced Romantic literature. His stories often featured transformation and deep human experiences, which resonated with Romantic ideals of exploring personal emotion and individuality. As a result, many Romantic writers adopted similar narrative styles that focused on personal experiences and emotional journeys while incorporating mythological references that harkened back to Ovid.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Romanticism on subsequent artistic movements, considering its roots in classical literature like Ovid's work.
  • The long-term impact of Romanticism is evident in various artistic movements that followed, including Symbolism and Expressionism. By emphasizing emotion, individual experience, and a connection to nature—qualities derived from classical literature like Ovid's—these later movements continued to prioritize the subjective experience over rational thought. This lineage highlights how Ovid's exploration of transformation and passion laid foundational ideas for expressing complex human emotions that resonated throughout art and literature into modern times.

Related terms

Sublime: A concept in Romanticism that refers to experiences that evoke awe and wonder, often through nature's grandeur or overwhelming power.

Individualism: A central tenet of Romanticism focusing on the importance of personal freedom, self-expression, and the unique perspective of the individual.

Sentimentalism: An emotional approach to literature that emphasizes feeling and emotional responses, which was prevalent in Romantic works and influenced by earlier literary traditions.