The Romantic Era

in British Literature

1798-1832
 What does it mean to call
something Romantic?

Take a few minutes and jot down your thoughts on a

sheet of notebook paper. Brainstorm a list, or write a
paragraph of your ideas about the word Romantic.
 For each statement, write down
“A” if you agree or “D” if you disagree

1. The answers to life’s most puzzling questions can be found

through discussions with a simple person who lives in the
country close to nature—not with a sophisticated, well-
educated person from the city.

2. The answer to life’s most puzzling questions can be found

through a connection with nature.

3. The use of one’s imagination is more important than

rational (based on reason or fact) thought.

4. Subjectivity (personally biased) is more important than

objectivity (unbiased).
5. Knowledge is gained through gut reactions and subjective
hunches rather than level-headed, objective, rational
thought.

6. Nature is more important than art.

7. Experimental trial and error is a better process than the

conventional scientific method.

8. Poetry should be spontaneous and full of emotion, not

planned and straightforward.

9. Sensitivity, feelings, and spontaneity are more important

than intellectualism.

10. “Dare to be” is a better motto than “dare to know.”

 Are you Romantic?
Tally up your number of As:

3 or fewer As = not romantic

4 or 5 As = sort of romantic
6 or 7 As = highly romantic
8-10 As = extremely romantic

Has your idea of the word Romantic changed in

any way? If so, how?
 Age of Reason vs. Romantic Era
In the Age of Reason,
Writers stressed:
• Reason and Judgement
• Concern with the
universal experience
• The value of society as a
whole
• The value of rules
In the Romantic Era, Writers
stressed:
• Imagination and Emotion
• Concern with the particular
experience
• The value of the individual
human being
• The value of freedom
 Characteristics of the
Romantic Era
1. Common Man and Childhood over Urban
Sophistication
Romantics believed in the natural goodness of humans,
which is hindered by the urban life of civilization. They
believed that the savage is noble, childhood is good and the
emotions inspired by both beliefs causes the heart to soar.

2. Emotions over Reason

Romantics believed that knowledge is gained through
intuition rather than deduction. This is best summed up by
Wordsworth who stated that “all good poetry is the
spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
3. Nature over Artificial
Romantics stressed the awe of nature in art and language
and the experience of sublimity through a connection with
nature. Romantics rejected the ideas of the industrial
revolution .

4. The Individual over Society

Romantics often elevated the achievements of the
misunderstood, heroic individual outcast.

5. Imagination over Logic

Romantics legitimized the individual imagination as a
critical authority.
Five Major Romantic Era Poets

William Wordsworth
S. T. Coleridge
Lord Byron
Percy Shelley
John Keats