English Romantic Poetry What is Romanticism By Romantic
English Romantic Poetry
What is Romanticism? • By “Romantic” poetry we don’t mean lovey-dovey The Notebook kind of romantic. Romanticism refers to the writing style and ideals. • The Romantic Period spans the years 1789 -1832 and was a time of revolution (in France) and reform (in England).
Hallmarks of Romantic Poetry • Romantic poetry – Uses creative imagination – Focuses on nature – Places importance on myth and symbolism – Focuses on feeling and intuition • These poets were often referred to as the “nature poets” • Romanticism is really a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and society’s focus on reason and
Famous Romantic Poets • William Blake – “I will not reason and compare: my business is to create. ” – Claimed he could converse with angels and other divine figures. – Famous works: Songs of Innocence and Experience. This work showed the two contrasting sides of the human soul.
Famous Romantic Poets • William Wordsworth • Famously described poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings from emotions recollected in tranquility” • Famous works: Tinturn Abbey • Percy Bysshe Shelley – “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects as if they were not familiar. ” – Died young-drowned in a storm at age 29 – Famous works: “Ozymandias” “Ode
Victorian/Modern Poetry
The Victorian Era • Spans the years 1832 -1901 • The Victorian Era was a time of expansion and reform. • Many advancements in technology and manufacturing, as well as a rise in the middle class and improved conditions for workers. • So named for Queen Victoria, who placed great value on moral behavior
Poetry During the Victorian Era • Move from romanticism to realism • Realism sought to show everyday life as it was really lived. • Focused on the effects of the Industrial Revolution and often brought social problems to light. • More experimentation in rhythm and a tendency toward a more pessimistic mood.
The Modern Era • Spans the years 1901 -present • A time of intense political change – Technological advances continued from the Victorian Era (electric power, the automobile) – Women’s rights – Nationalist movement in British colonies • World Wars I/II – During WWI Britain lost “almost an entire generation of young men” – Rise in dictatorships and fascism
Writing During the Modern Era • More of a focus on social commentary and satire • Wide range in writing styles • Very personal
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