Explain the salient features of Romanticism. 9.12 QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY (MEG 102)

Romanticism was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Europe in the late 18th century and continued through the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a range of distinctive features, including:

Emphasis on emotion and individualism: Romanticism emphasized the expression of individual emotion and experience, and rejected the rigid social conventions of the Enlightenment period. Romantic writers often explored the depths of human emotion, and sought to capture the inner lives of their characters.

Celebration of nature and the sublime: Romanticism placed a great emphasis on the natural world, and celebrated the beauty and power of nature. Romantic writers often used natural settings to convey a sense of the sublime, or the awe-inspiring and overwhelming power of nature.

Interest in the supernatural and mystical: Romanticism was marked by a fascination with the supernatural and mystical, and often explored themes of the occult, the mysterious, and the unknown.

Critique of industrialization and urbanization: Romantic writers often criticized the social and environmental effects of industrialization and urbanization, and expressed a sense of nostalgia for simpler, more rural ways of life.

Focus on the imagination and creativity: Romanticism placed a great emphasis on the power of the imagination, and celebrated the creativity and artistic vision of individuals. Romantic writers often used symbolism and metaphor to express complex ideas and emotions.

Interest in the past and the exotic: Romanticism was marked by a fascination with the past and the exotic, and often explored themes of nostalgia, nostalgia for the past, and a sense of adventure.

Concern with social and political issues: Romanticism was often concerned with social and political issues, and many writers used their work to critique the social and political norms of their time. For example, many Romantic writers were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, and sought to express these ideals through their art.

Overall, Romanticism was a diverse and multifaceted cultural and artistic movement that reflected the changing social, cultural, and political landscape of Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.