19th century

Definition

The 19th century refers to the period from 1801 to 1900, marked by significant social, political, and cultural transformations across the globe. This era saw the rise of nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, and significant advancements in literature, including the emergence of comparative literature as a field of study that connected literary works from various cultures and languages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 19th century was characterized by major literary movements such as Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism, each influencing the development of comparative literature.
2. During this century, notable authors like Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and Emily Brontë produced works that transcended national boundaries and contributed to a growing interest in global literary connections.
3. The establishment of universities and academic societies during the 19th century provided a formal structure for the study of literature across cultures, fostering comparative literature.
4. Translations became more widespread in the 19th century, allowing readers access to foreign texts and promoting cross-cultural exchanges that were foundational to comparative literature.
5. The impact of colonialism during this period also shaped literature as writers explored themes of identity, power dynamics, and cultural encounters between colonizers and the colonized.

Review Questions

• How did the social and political changes of the 19th century influence the emergence of comparative literature?
  • The social and political changes of the 19th century, including the rise of nationalism and the Industrial Revolution, created an environment that encouraged cross-cultural exchanges. The period's emphasis on individualism and emotion in literature led authors to explore universal themes that resonated across borders. This backdrop fostered a growing interest in comparing literary works from different cultures, laying the groundwork for comparative literature as a formal field of study.
• In what ways did literary movements such as Romanticism shape the development of comparative literature during the 19th century?
  • Romanticism emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience, which influenced writers to look beyond their national traditions. This movement encouraged authors to draw inspiration from foreign cultures and literatures. As Romantic writers sought to express universal human experiences through their works, they often engaged with themes found in other literary traditions, which helped establish comparative literature as a discipline focused on connecting diverse cultural narratives.
• Evaluate how the factors of colonialism and globalization in the 19th century affected literary production and contributed to the foundations of comparative literature.
  • Colonialism and globalization significantly impacted literary production in the 19th century by creating new narratives around identity, power, and cultural interaction. Writers began to address themes related to colonial encounters, exploring how these relationships shaped individual identities and societal structures. As authors shared their perspectives on these experiences through translated works or inspired writings, it led to a rich tapestry of cross-cultural dialogue that formed essential foundations for comparative literature. This dialogue not only highlighted differences but also illuminated shared human experiences across diverse societies.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, fundamentally altering economies and societies.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century and flourished in the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emerged in the 19th century advocating for the interests and culture of a nation or ethnic group, often leading to movements for independence and national unification.