Romantic Era Themes to Know for English Literature – 1670 to 1850

The Romantic Era, spanning 1670 to 1850, emphasizes emotion, individualism, and creativity. It celebrates nature, the supernatural, and the common person while rejecting strict rationalism. This period values personal experience, spontaneity, and the power of the human spirit in artistic expression.

1. Emphasis on emotion and individualism

   • Prioritizes personal feelings and emotional experiences over societal expectations.
   • Celebrates the unique perspective of the individual as a source of creativity and insight.
   • Encourages self-expression and authenticity in artistic endeavors.

2. Glorification of nature and the natural world

   • Views nature as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal.
   • Highlights the connection between humans and the natural environment.
   • Often contrasts the purity of nature with the corruption of industrial society.

3. Imagination and creativity as essential elements

   • Values imaginative thought as a means of transcending reality.
   • Encourages artistic innovation and the exploration of new ideas.
   • Sees creativity as a vital expression of the human experience.

4. Rejection of rationalism and Enlightenment values

   • Critiques the overemphasis on reason and logic characteristic of the Enlightenment.
   • Advocates for emotional and intuitive understanding as equally valid.
   • Emphasizes the limitations of rational thought in capturing the complexity of human experience.

5. Interest in the supernatural and mystical

   • Explores themes of the unknown, the magical, and the otherworldly.
   • Often incorporates folklore, myths, and legends into literary works.
   • Reflects a fascination with the mysteries of existence beyond the material world.

6. Celebration of the common person and rural life

   • Elevates the experiences and values of ordinary people, particularly in rural settings.
   • Portrays the simplicity and authenticity of rural life as a counter to urban industrialization.
   • Highlights the dignity and wisdom found in the lives of common folk.

7. Fascination with the past, especially the medieval period

   • Draws inspiration from medieval history, art, and literature.
   • Idealizes the values and aesthetics of earlier times as a reaction to modernity.
   • Often romanticizes chivalry, heroism, and the spiritual aspects of the past.

8. Emphasis on subjectivity and personal experience

   • Focuses on individual perception and interpretation of reality.
   • Values personal narratives and emotional truths over objective facts.
   • Encourages readers to engage with literature on a deeply personal level.

9. Exploration of the sublime and beauty

   • Investigates the concept of the sublime as an overwhelming experience of beauty and terror.
   • Celebrates the awe-inspiring aspects of nature and art.
   • Seeks to evoke profound emotional responses through descriptions of beauty.

10. Idealization of childhood and innocence

    • Views childhood as a time of purity, creativity, and untainted perception.
    • Contrasts the innocence of youth with the complexities of adult life.
    • Often portrays children as symbols of hope and potential.

11. Rebellion against social and political norms

    • Challenges established conventions and authority figures.
    • Advocates for personal freedom and social justice.
    • Often reflects a desire for change and reform in society.

12. Focus on the power of the human spirit

    • Celebrates resilience, strength, and the capacity for growth in the face of adversity.
    • Highlights the potential for individuals to overcome challenges through inner strength.
    • Emphasizes the importance of passion and conviction in human endeavors.

13. Importance of spontaneity and freedom of expression

    • Values unrestrained creativity and the natural flow of ideas.
    • Encourages artists to break free from traditional constraints and conventions.
    • Celebrates the act of creation as a dynamic and liberating process.

14. Reverence for the artist as a visionary or prophet

    • Positions artists as crucial figures who can reveal deeper truths about existence.
    • Celebrates the role of the artist in shaping culture and society.
    • Views artistic expression as a means of connecting with the divine or transcendent.

15. Exploration of dreams and the unconscious mind

    • Investigates the significance of dreams as a window into the subconscious.
    • Explores themes of desire, fear, and the irrational aspects of human experience.
    • Often incorporates surreal and fantastical elements to reflect inner thoughts and feelings.