Romantic Poetry 

  (1798  to 1837 )

Introduction to Romantic Poetry:

• Romantic poetry is a literary movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• It was a reaction against the rationalism and formality of the Enlightenment period.
• Romantic poets emphasized emotions, nature, and individualism.

Key Characteristics of Romantic Poetry:

1. Emphasis on Emotion:
• Romantic poets believed that emotions and feelings were essential for poetic expression.
• They explored deep and intense emotions such as love, passion, and awe.
2. Love for Nature:
• Nature was a central theme in Romantic poetry.
• Poets celebrated the beauty and power of nature and often used it as a metaphor for human emotions.
3. Individualism:
• Romantic poets celebrated the individual and the uniqueness of personal experience.
• They often wrote about their own emotions and perspectives.
4. Imagination:
• The Romantics valued the power of imagination and believed it could reveal deeper truths.
• They often used vivid and imaginative language in their poetry.
5. Spirit of Rebellion:
• Many Romantic poets were rebels who questioned societal norms and values.
• They often championed the cause of the common people and criticized authority.

Prominent Romantic Poets:

1. William Wordsworth (1770-1850):
• Known for his poems celebrating the beauty of nature and the ordinary.
• Famous works include "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey."
2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834):
• Co-author of "Lyrical Ballads" with Wordsworth.
• Known for his supernatural and dreamlike poems, including "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
3. John Keats (1795-1821):
• Known for his sensual and aesthetic poetry.
• Famous works include "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Ode to a Grecian Urn."
4. Lord Byron (1788-1824):
• Famous for his rebellious and adventurous spirit.
• Known for works like "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" and "Don Juan."
5. Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822):
• Known for his radical and visionary poetry.
• Famous works include "Ozymandias" and "To a Skylark."

Themes in Romantic Poetry:

1. Nature and Beauty: Celebration of the natural world and its beauty.
2. Love and Passion: Exploration of intense emotions, love, and desire.
3. Individualism: Emphasis on personal experiences and perspectives.
4. Imagination: Use of vivid and imaginative language.
5. Rebellion: Critique of societal norms and authority.

Conclusion:

• Romantic poetry is a literary movement that prioritizes emotions, nature, and individualism.
• It gave rise to some of the most celebrated poets in the English language.
• Romantic themes continue to influence literature and art to this day.