Romanticism: Fact Sheet The Literary Period: Artistic, Literary and Intellectual Movement The Literary period had

ad begun in the beginning of the 1800s era and continued till approximately 1840 The movement itself was most evident in old England, but did shed some influence in countries such as Germany, France and Britain. Essentially most of Europe Validated strong emotion as an authentic source of aesthetic experience, playing new emphasis on such emotions as apprehension, horror, terror and awe but also nature, beauty and to some extent, love Key Historical Events/ People: The French Revolution Beethovens 3rd symphony Jane Austens novels Napoleon becomes Emperor of France Industrial Revolution Child Labor Laws/ ethical system established

Origins of the Movement: Originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century and in most areas, was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800-1840 Partly a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, it was also seen as a revolt against aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalisation of nature Decline of the Period: The Romanticism period came to an ultimate end in approximately 1840. However, novels today are influenced by this movement although it is not as straight to the point Wolf Gang: Literary writings include: o The Sorrows of young werther o Elective Affinities o Erotic Poems The Sorrows of young werther o Persons who can claim a certain rank keep themselves coldly and aloof from the common people o Depicts that the society at that time followed a social hierarchy. It provides the reader(s) with an insight of the personas cultural

context and influences by emphasizing the rigid social structure of the society. The vivid imagery of being coldly aloof is a contrast to the Romantic period. Erotic Poems o When the vine again is blowing, then the wine moves in the cask, when the rose again is glowing, wherefore should I feel opressd? o Parallel structure is utilized to emphasize the romantic environment, further reinforced by the strong imagery of nature and how a rose is glowing Effective Affinities o Spring was coming on: A rich, beautiful life would son everywhere be bursting; and Edward spoke of it with delight o The vivid imagery describes nature of opulent terms. This is achieved through calling it rich, beautiful and depicting it as something bursting, to be spoken about with delight. The imagery conveys the key element of nature in the romantic period. The beauty in nature was likened to that of physical human love with the two often infused and representing each other Williams Wordsworth Literary writings include: o London 1802 o Lyrical Ballads o Pergamon Poets London 1802 o Thy soul was like star, and dwelt apart; thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea o The voice has been romanticised by using a simile and likening to the sea Lyrical Ballads o Yet morning smiles the busy race to cheer, And new-born pleasure brings to happier men; to warm their little loves the birds complain Pergamon Poets o She gave me eyes, she gave me ears; and the humble cares, and delicate fears; a heart, the fountain of sweet tears; and love and thought and joy o Oxymoron is used to emphasize the happy mood and contrast the double meaning. Through the positive connotation we also see a reflection of romanticism and highlights the values of the time during the society in this era

William Blake Literary writings include: o The Echoing Green o The Tiger o Love Secret The Echoing Green o The Sun does arise, and make happy the skies; the merry bells ring o Positive connotation evokes a sense of warmth and joy, which reflects the Romanticism period. The personification emphasized in the skies mirrors the attitude of the writer expressed through their writing as a result of their context The Tiger o What the hammer? What a chain? In what furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? What dread grasp? Dare its deadly terrors clasp? o The Rhetorical questions characterize the times of the period- terror, horror and awe. The poet is questioning these characteristics Love Secret o I told my love, I told my love, I told her all my heart; trembling, cold, in ghastly fears, Ah! She did depart! o The repetitive nature of this quote emphasizes the expression of love thus reflecting the key importance of love declaration in the romantic period

Artwork: The Morning Phillip Otto Runge

This piece of artwork uses warm colours which reflects the style of romanticism at the time, conveying a sense of serenity. The infants on both sides depict the purity of this painting and enhances the peaceful atmosphere. The centred image of a naked woman shows the view of women during the romanticism period as being a romantic object and innocent. The innocence further reinforces the romanticism at the time. The angelic female figure is displayed within nature and may emphasise the beauty of nature.