The Romantic Period
When and what was the Romantic Movement?
The Romantic period, also known as Romanticism, was an intellectual, artistic, and literary
movement that took place in Europe and America around 1780-1850.
It was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment, and the ways in which
these had transformed society.
The Enlightenment had prioritised reason and rationality over emotion and creativity. The
Industrial Revolution had urbanised England. Technology was booming, science was
accelerating, and cities were becoming increasingly crowded.
As a result of these changes, many people felt like humanity was losing its relationship with the
natural world and the sublime.
It had a social, intellectual, artistic, and literary influence.
When and what was the Romantic Era in Literature?
The Romantic Period of English literature began in the late 18th century and lasted until
approximately 1832 (18th and 19th Century).
The Romantic Era was a reaction to the societal issues of the time.
Romantic literature, written by the ‘Romanticists’, criticised the way society had changed and
glorified the past in their work.
What were some Common Characteristics of Romantic Literature?
Personal in nature
Strong use of feeling/emotion and passion
Abundant use of symbolism
Exploration of nature and the supernatural
Spiritualism
Imaginative imagery
What were some Common Themes of Romantic Literature?
The critique of progress/industrialisation, urbanisation and commercialism
A return to the past
An awe of nature
The idealization of women
The purity of childhood
The search for subjective truth
The celebration of the individual
A break from convention
How was Romantic Literature Perceived?
When and what was the Romantic Movement?
The Romantic period, also known as Romanticism, was an intellectual, artistic, and literary
movement that took place in Europe and America around 1780-1850.
It was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment, and the ways in which
these had transformed society.
The Enlightenment had prioritised reason and rationality over emotion and creativity. The
Industrial Revolution had urbanised England. Technology was booming, science was
accelerating, and cities were becoming increasingly crowded.
As a result of these changes, many people felt like humanity was losing its relationship with the
natural world and the sublime.
It had a social, intellectual, artistic, and literary influence.
When and what was the Romantic Era in Literature?
The Romantic Period of English literature began in the late 18th century and lasted until
approximately 1832 (18th and 19th Century).
The Romantic Era was a reaction to the societal issues of the time.
Romantic literature, written by the ‘Romanticists’, criticised the way society had changed and
glorified the past in their work.
What were some Common Characteristics of Romantic Literature?
Personal in nature
Strong use of feeling/emotion and passion
Abundant use of symbolism
Exploration of nature and the supernatural
Spiritualism
Imaginative imagery
What were some Common Themes of Romantic Literature?
The critique of progress/industrialisation, urbanisation and commercialism
A return to the past
An awe of nature
The idealization of women
The purity of childhood
The search for subjective truth
The celebration of the individual
A break from convention
How was Romantic Literature Perceived?
