Romanticism: Ideologies, Authors, and Key Traits

Tradition and Renewal in Romanticism

Romanticism, emerging in a materialistic society, was characterized by contradictory attitudes regarding tradition and progress.

The Romantic Tradition

• Advocates for a return to religious, patriotic, and traditional aristocratic values of the Ancien Régime.

Key Authors:

• Novalis and Stöger (Germany)
• Chateaubriand (France)
• Walter Scott (England)

Liberal Romanticism

• Extols progress, radical liberalism, individual freedom, and human rights.

Key Authors:

• Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas (France)
• Lord Byron (England)
• Larra and Espronceda (Spain)

Defining Characteristics of Literary Romanticism

Individuality and Subjectivity

Romanticism champions the individual self, rebelling against anything that restricts personal expression. Works often convey the artist's intimate sentiments and offer a subjective view of reality.

Rejection of Reality and Escapism

The perceived limitations imposed by the world often lead to frustration, prompting Romantics to seek escape. This can manifest as refuge in fantasy worlds, imagination, exotic countries, or idealized pasts. At other times, Romantics rebel against societal customs and engage in political rebellion.

Defense of Freedom

Freedom is a fundamental tenet of Romantic thought. Authors rejected rigid Neoclassical rules, choosing instead to express raw feeling, passion, and the irrational without constraint.

Nature as a Reflection of Mood

Landscape descriptions in Romantic literature frequently mirror the emotional states and moods of the Romantic individual.

Nationalism and Cultural Identity

In contrast to Neoclassicism, Romantics championed the unique features of their own countries. They emphasized national history, customs, traditions, and language, which significantly contributed to the development of the historical novel, romance, legend, and custom literature.