Romanticism: A Cultural Shift in Art, Philosophy and Literature

The Cultural Scope of Romanticism

Romanticism was not merely a literary movement; it profoundly influenced painting, philosophy, music, religion, and the arts. Consequently, it is accurate to define Romanticism as a comprehensive cultural movement. This period sought to address significant societal shifts.

Drivers of Change in the Romantic Era

The era was defined by transformative events:

• Politics: The American War of Independence.
• Philosophy and Science: A reaction against rationalism.
• Arts and Literature: The decline of classical antiquity's authority.
• Music: A newfound emphasis on emotions, passions, and sentiments.
• Religion: The emergence of the evangelical revival.

Coleridge and the Conversational Poem

Conversational poems refer to a collection of works by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, including:

• The Eolian Harp
• The Nightingale
• To William Wordsworth
• This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison
• Frost at Midnight

These works are written in blank verse—a form previously reserved for epic poetry like Milton's Paradise Lost. Coleridge innovated by fusing poetic genres, applying an epic mode to lyric poetry. These pieces are essentially poems of friendship, dedicated to close associates.

The Circular Structure of Romantic Verse

These poems are characterized by a distinct circular structure, often called “the return.” The poet begins by describing the surrounding scene, embarks on a flight of imagination, and ultimately returns to the starting point. For instance, in Frost at Midnight, the poet moves from the imagery of a cottage and the “secret ministry of frost” to childhood memories, before returning to the initial setting.

Stylistic Elements

Key features of these poems include:

• The use of the first-person perspective.
• An unidentified, typically outdoor setting.
• A silent listener.
• A rhythm that mimics ordinary speech, avoiding syntactical complexity.

Social Balance and Nationalism in England

During this period, England sought a consensus between opposing forces to foster national unity. Many novels of the time focused on resolving conflicts to achieve social balance. Critics such as Tennyson and Eliot noted an “affection for adjustment,” suggesting that happiness was found by reconciling internal tensions. However, this pursuit of balance often favored those already in power, leaving the masses disadvantaged.