Romanticism

I. What is Romanticism?

A. A political and artistic movement of the early 19th Century that emphasizes emotion over reason. Inspired by recent political revolutions across the globe.

II. Attributes of Romanticism

A. Emotion, not Rationalism- “Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am vast. I contain multitudes.”

(Walt Whitman)

B. Conscience, not Utilitarianism (Practicality)- “Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something. “

(Henry David Thoreau)

C. Sentimentalism, not Realism- “Character is higher than intellect. A great

soul will be strong to live as well as think. “ (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

D. Supernatural Mysticism, not Structured Religion

- “An early morning walk is a blessing through the whole day.” (H.D.T.)

E. Nature is Good, not Cruel and Impartial- “Flowers are earth’s laughter.”

(R.W.E.) F. Human Achievement, not Frailty

- “A man is a god in ruins..” (R.W.E.)

G. Individualism, not National Conformity-”Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty.

The obedient must be slaves”(H. D. T.)

III. Terms to Know

A. Dark Romanticism1. A variation that plays on the human capacity for fear and terror. Edgar Allan Poe is a dark romanticist who created gothic literature with images of death and the macabre.

B. Transcendentalism 1. the American spin on Romanticism, with specific

emphasis on the value on conscience over reasona. Henry David Thoreaub. Ralph Waldo Emerson

C. Paradox1. An occasion in which seemingly

opposite realities create a truth. (Thoreau is being Patriotic by refusing to pay taxes in order to protest the un-

patriotic practice of slavery)