Pre-Romanticism: The Age of Sensibility Explained

Pre-Romanticism: The Age of Sensibility

Pre-Romanticism emerged as a reaction to the limitations of Neoclassical poetry. Neoclassicism neglected essential elements of art, such as subjectivity, individualism, and imagination, favoring a merely imitative approach. As Neoclassical ideals lost their influence, a new sensibility appeared: Pre-Romanticism.

This movement manifested in four main forms:

The Sentimental Novel

Popular in the second half of the 18th century, this genre shifted focus toward the protagonist's emotions. Previously, emotional expression was considered bad taste; however, these novels emphasized sympathy for others. This shift introduced a new masculine figure: the "man of feelings," replacing the traditional "rogue." A notable example is the German novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.

The Gothic Novel

Gothic themes were reconsidered in the late 18th century, fueled by a growing interest in ruins and medieval architecture. This genre became associated with dark, supernatural elements, including ghosts, death, and cemeteries. Key examples include:

• The Monk
• The Castle of Otranto
• The Mysteries of Udolpho

Graveyard Poetry

This specific style of poetry is set in the gloomy atmosphere of cemeteries. Pre-Romantic poets explored themes of human destiny, the meaning of life, and death. A definitive example is Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.

Exoticism and Primitivism

Pre-Romantics promoted a return to nature, viewing it as an ideal state uncorrupted by civilization. This desire to escape society led to an interest in exotic locations and the past. This movement also involved Antiquarians—erudite collectors of traditional folklore, ballads, and legends, which they viewed as the expression of a non-degraded culture. A prominent example is Walter Scott, author of Ivanhoe.