Romanticism

1798-1832

ROMANTICISM

Seen as the turning point of mankind

A

move toward a more ideal and civilized society

Time of revolution and liberty, equality, and brotherhood A search for truth

In

nature and in mankind

ENGLANDS TIES TO REVOLUTION

George III
Blamed

for the loss of the American colonies Ruled during the French revolution
Caused

unrest in England

English were sympathetic, at first, but quickly realized the ruling party was radical and too violent Growth of laborers caused some distress but was quickly quieted

RESISTANCE TO REFORM

The French Revolution stifled reformation in England

Lack of equal representation Archaic laws

Harsh

penalties for common crimes

Growing cities = crime and poor sanitation

Reform would lead to anarchy

THE DOWN SIDE OF INDUSTRY

Industrial Revolution

Brought prosperity to middle and upper classes Working classes spiraled further into poverty Lack of regulation

Laissez faire (allow to do)

Factory safety, hours, wages, child labor

Writers turned to nature for truth and beauty

A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE

Revolted against the age of reason

Became the age of emotion Individuals relationship with nature was of upmost importance Found delight in ordinary things

birds song A field of flowers

Birth of the lyrical poem, the historical novel, horror and science fiction, and novels of manners (Jane Austen).

A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE

Blending of opposite poles

Goodness

and evil Innocence and experience Heaven and hell William Blakes Songs of Innocence and Songs of

Experience

Explored the power of dreams and subconscious

A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE
Natural universe was mysterious world of its own Believed in remoteness of time or place Inspired by ancient British Druids and medieval knights

LANGUAGE: LATE MODERN ENGLISH

Science
Greek

and Latin
(derived from

Vaccination

Latin cow)
Old

words turned new

locomotive

(derived from adjective meaning selfpowered)

LANGUAGE: LATE MODERN ENGLISH

Foreign Words
Increased

interaction with foreign powers and colonies

bangle, jungle, and shampoo

Pajamas,

The Romantic Movement

Narrow

the gaps between scholars and commoners

used regional dialects, colloquial language, and slang

Writers

Frankenstein
or The Modern Prometheus

Mary Shelley

Wrote Frankenstein in 1816 at the age of 18. Grew up among the upper classes of London, but later lived a life of scandal Feminist

The Novel

Mary spent the summer of 1816 in Geneva in the company of Lord Byron and Percy Shelley.
Read

German ghost stories and discussed the works of Luigi Galvani who was believed to animate dead matter. Byron had the idea of that they each write their own supernatural tale

The Novel

Story of Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss scientist, who creates a monster in an unusual experiment.
Warns

of the dangers of the Industrial Revolution The desire to control nature The source of all mad scientist stories Considered a pioneer of science fiction and horror

Gothicisim Characteristics

Sub-movement of the 18th and 19th centuries

characterized

by grotesque characters, bizarre situations, and violent events.

Often associated with horror and science fiction writing. Tied to romanticists fascination with the supernatural

Gothic Conventions
Murder Gloomy settings Vampires Distressed Damsel Death Family secrets Spirits Secret Rooms Suicide Dungeons Castles Curses Ghosts Curses Tombs Demons Torture Terror

Cemeteries Dreams

Literary Elements

Theme - The Dangers of Science

Increased fascination with the workings of the human body

Increase enrollment at medical colleges Grave robbing

Demand for bodies

Vivisections Galvanism

Theme - Loss of Innocence

Related to the Romanticists views of truth and beauty Reflects ideas of Classical mythology and the Bible

Theme - Reflections of the Human Psyche

Moral dilemma Identity of self

Evaluating

and upholding our own reflections

Nature vs. Nurture

Allusion Prometheus Myth

Classical mythology
Bringer

of fire to mankind

Knowledge

Sometimes

the creator of

mankind

Allusion Paradise Lost

John Miltons story of the fall of man, the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan, and their expulsion from the garden of Eden.
Reflects

thematic self-analysis found throughout

Frankenstein

Foil

A character that contrasts with a character (usually the protagonist) to call attention to certain qualities that both exhibit.

Motif - The Doppelganger or Double

A second self or alternative identity Sometimes a physical twin Can appear in a demonic form, such as Mr. Hyde Gothic doppelgangers haunt or threaten the victim to whom they become attached.

Motif - Forbidden Knowledge or Power

Often the goal of the Gothic protagonist Tries to overcome human limitations Attempts to make himself God Although ambition becomes downfall, it evokes admiration in the reader.

Multiple Narratives / Spiral Narrative

Told through a series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales, each revealing a deeper secret, so the narrative gradually spirals inward toward the hidden truth. First-person narrator compelled to tell the story to a fascinated or captive listener.