Romanticism in Literature and Opera: 19th Century

Romanticism: 19th Century Literary and Artistic Movement

The 19th century, marked by the consequences of the Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution, saw the rise of Romanticism. This era transformed the contemporary world with the triumph of the Industrial Revolution.

Key Values in Romantic Literature

Romantic literature emphasized the irrational aspects of the individual:

• Sentiment: Love became the central theme for Romantic writers. However, unbridled passion could lead to destruction.
• Dreams: Nighttime, premonitions, visionary dimensions, and dreamlike images were valued, paving the way for Surrealism.
• Imagination: Originality and individual creativity were prized over imitation, becoming the model and tools for a closed explanation.
• Nationalism: The cultural sphere now translated into an appreciation for nations. Every village had a right to dignity and freedom through the will of its genius, expressed through language and culture. This led to the birth of folklore studies and compilations of tales and stories. This new sensitivity fueled nationalist movements, resulting in separation or unification processes.

Goethe's Faust: A Romantic Icon

Goethe's Faust represents a man who, having attained knowledge and wisdom in his mature years, makes a pact with the devil in exchange for youth. Mephistopheles accepts the bet and strives to satisfy Faust's desires. Faust meets Margaret, an innocent young woman, and is captivated by her.

His actions ultimately lead to Margaret's death. The second part of the story is more complex. After many experiences, Faust becomes blind. The narrative illustrates humanity's failure to overcome its limitations. When Mephistopheles attempts to carry him away, Faust ascends to heaven.

French Romantic Literature: Novels and Authors

Narrative saw the rise of the serial novel, published in weekly installments. These works often featured melodramatic structures. Alexandre Dumas achieved great success with The Three Musketeers, and Prosper Mérimée's Carmen also made a significant impact. Other notable authors include Alphonse de Lamartine, Alfred de Musset, and Victor Hugo. Hugo championed the *Renaixement* movement with his play Hernani and authored two Romantic novels: Notre-Dame de Paris and Les Misérables. Finally, two writers who remained on the fringes were Gérard de Nerval, known for his tragic suicide and association with the cursed poets, and Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve.

Romantic Drama and the Splendor of Opera

Romanticism extended to all genres. Opera experienced its golden age during this period, embodying a total concept of art that encompassed music, dance, and singing. Romantic opera often featured sensational narratives. Grand opera is considered to have originated in Paris, attracting composers from across Europe. Legends, historical events, and exotic oriental themes were popular subjects.