Romantics

Definition

Romantics were a cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past. This movement responded to the Industrial Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment, focusing on personal experience and artistic expression rather than reason and scientific rationality. In literature and theatre, Romantics sought to convey deep feelings and imagination, often embracing dramatic storytelling and larger-than-life characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Romantic movement was a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing natural beauty and human emotion over mechanical progress.
2. Victor Hugo, a key figure among Romantics, believed that literature should address social issues and explore the human condition, which he demonstrated in his works.
3. The battle of Hernani in 1830 marked a significant moment in Romantic theatre when Hugo's play was performed, challenging classical conventions and promoting artistic freedom.
4. Romantics often utilized historical settings and themes, viewing history as a source of inspiration for exploring human emotions and moral dilemmas.
5. The Romantic movement laid the groundwork for modern theatrical practices by encouraging playwrights to break away from rigid structures and experiment with form and content.

Review Questions

• How did the Romantic movement challenge existing theatrical conventions during the performance of Hernani?
  • The performance of Hernani marked a significant challenge to existing theatrical conventions by defying classical norms such as unity of time, place, and action. Victor Hugo's embrace of emotional depth and complex characters created a new standard for drama that prioritized individual expression. The public's reaction to Hernani, including riots among audiences who supported traditional versus Romantic ideals, highlighted the intense cultural shift occurring at that time.
• Discuss the relationship between the Romantic movement and the rise of individualism in 19th-century literature and theatre.
  • The Romantic movement fostered a strong sense of individualism by emphasizing personal feelings, experiences, and unique perspectives in literature and theatre. This focus on the individual allowed playwrights like Hugo to explore deep emotional conflicts within their characters, resonating with audiences on a personal level. As a result, Romantic works often depicted characters grappling with their own identities amidst societal pressures, pushing boundaries in both narrative form and thematic content.
• Evaluate the impact of Romanticism on contemporary theatre practices, considering its legacy in modern storytelling.
  • Romanticism profoundly influenced contemporary theatre practices by establishing a foundation for emotional storytelling and character-driven narratives. Its legacy is evident in how modern playwrights prioritize psychological depth and realism in their works. The emphasis on breaking free from traditional forms paved the way for experimentation with structure, themes, and styles in today's theatre. This evolution reflects the ongoing relevance of Romantic ideals in shaping how stories are told and experienced in contemporary performance.

Related terms

Sentimentalism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the importance of emotion and feeling, often showcasing characters’ emotional experiences to evoke sympathy from the audience.

Melodrama: A dramatic genre characterized by exaggerated emotions, sensational events, and clear moral distinctions between good and evil, often appealing directly to the audience's emotions.

Gothic Literature: A genre that combines horror and romance, often featuring dark settings, supernatural elements, and complex characters, reflecting the Romantic interest in the sublime and the mysterious.