Subjectivity and Spontaneity in Romanticism
Subjectivity and spontaneity in romanticism are closely intertwined. The romantic writers believed that each individual had their own perspective of viewing the world, and this subjective viewpoint was essential in creating great works of art. They believed that the external world was only a reflection of the inner world, and thus, the creative process was subjective and spontaneous. A writer would not plan their work but would let their emotions and imagination guide them.Individualism and Freedom from Rules in Romantic Literature
Romantic literature celebrated the individual. The writers believed in the freedom to create without constraints. They rejected the constraints of art forms like the sonnet or the epic, that demanded a specific structure and rhyme scheme. The romantic writers believed in being free from these strictures. They created their own rules but did so without compromising the quality of the work. Some of the features of Romantic Literature that highlight the freedom from rules include:- The use of unconventional meter and rhyme schemes.
- The blurring of genres. For example, the Romantic writers often mixed poetry and prose in their works.
- The use of free-association and stream of consciousness techniques in their writing.
Romanticism and a Solitary Life
Romantic writers often had a solitary life. They believed that the artist should work in isolation to ensure that their work was not influenced by society’s opinions. They also believed that individualism was only possible when one was alone with their thoughts and ideas. A solitary life also allowed for introspection, which was necessary for creating great works of art.Imagination versus Reason in Romanticism
Romantic writers believed that imagination was superior to reason. Imagination could take one beyond the limitations of the physical world, and it allowed one to experience things beyond reality. Reason was seen as limiting and confining. The Romantic writers believed that the full potential of human experience could only be realized by tapping into the power of the imagination. Some of the ways in which the Romantic writers celebrated imagination in their works include:- Creation of fantastical and supernatural worlds.
- Depiction of dreamlike states and vivid imagery.
- Exploration of the inner world of the human mind.
Reverence and Love for Nature in Romanticism
Romantic writers celebrated nature and saw it as a source of inspiration. They believed that nature was a representation of the divine and that it held immense power. They found solace in natural beauty and found inspiration in the observation of the natural world. Some of the ways in which Romantic writers celebrated nature in their works include:- Depiction of natural landscapes and beauty.
- Use of natural imagery to describe emotions and feelings.
- Personification of nature to give it a personality and a voice.
The Role of Emotion in Romantic Literature
Romantic writers believed that emotions should be given free expression. They celebrated the full range of human emotions, including love, joy, anger, and sadness. They believed that emotions were integral to the human experience and could be used to create great works of art. Some of the ways in which emotions were celebrated in Romantic Literature:- Depiction of powerful emotions like love and loss in literature.
- Exploration of emotions and their complexities.
- Discovery of new and intense emotions and their inclusion in literature.