Romanticism in poetry is characterized by a passion for nature, intense human emotion, the dominance of passion over logic, and elaborate imagination. Romantic poets often link spiritual elements to nature and focus on love and longing. They believe in the essential goodness of man and the possibility of extraordinary events. Romanticism opens up the possibility of transcending the material realm and emphasizes imagination.
Romanticism was a movement born in the latter part of the 18th century, which was in opposition to traditional Classicism. While it can be found in numerous artistic mediums, the expression of Romanticism in poetry is quite common. To recognize Romanticism in poetry, one must first understand its basic concepts and themes. Some of these themes include a passion for nature, the expression of intense human emotion, the domination of passion over logic, and elaborate imagination.
A deep appreciation for the wonder and beauty of nature is perhaps one of the Romantic themes most commonly witnessed in poetry. Romantic poets often also link some spiritual elements to the sense of awe that natural landscapes can provide. This makes nature essentially a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Romantic poets have often expounded on their love of nature and the beauty it offers.
Another way to recognize romance in poetry is to look for poems that display intense emotion. Romantic literature tends to rely more on the heart than on the brain. Language and mood are very intuitive, rather than sterile or mechanical. This is why so many poems are based on love and longing for potential love interests. Romantic poets often describe the qualities of a beautiful woman and the deep emotions she evokes.
The elevation of passion over logic is related to this attention to emotion and is another theme of Romanticism. Unlike other poetic styles, Romanticism is primarily based on human longing and the belief in the possibility of extraordinary events. This places romantic poetry beyond the physical world where there are no real limits. Thus, this style places a high regard on an individual’s instincts rather than cold empirical knowledge. Consequently, there is a strong belief in the essential goodness of man and his ability to rise above circumstances.
Also, there is a deep emphasis on one’s imagination. In Romanticism, almost anything is possible and life is not limited to ordinary routines. This attitude creates a sense of mystery and opens up the possibility of transcending the material realm. It also opens a door to the spiritual world where an individual is no longer subject to the laws of physics. Therefore, poetry with an almost childlike imagination and belief in the impossible is usually a clear sign of romanticism.
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