Romanticism

American Romanticism1800-1860

RomanticismA revolt against Rationalism that affected literature and the artsRomanticism values feeling and intuition over reason

Quick Review: What are the characteristics of Rationalism?Rationalism ReviewReasonScientific thinkingLogical thinkingImprove self and societyJusticeAmerican RomanticismValues feelings and intuitionPlaces faith on inner experience and imaginationShuns artificialness of civilization and seeks unspoiled natureValues youthful innocence to educated sophisticationValues individual freedom and individual worthAmerican Romanticism (cont)Natures beauty is a path to spiritual and moral developmentLooks backward to wisdom of the past and distrusts progressFinds beauty and truth in exotic locations, the supernatural world, and the inner world of the imagination.Believes that poetry is the highest expression of imagination.Finds inspiration in myth, legend and folklore.5 Is of Romanticism1. Intuition2. Imagination3. Innocence4. Inspiration from nature5. Inner experienceCharacteristics of American Romantic HeroesYoung, or possess youthful qualitiesInnocent and pure of purposeSense of honor based not on societys rules, but on higher principleKnowledge of people and of life based on deep, intuitive understandingnot on formal learning.Loves nature and avoids town lifeQuests for higher truth in the natural world.Difference between Rationalist Hero and Romantic HeroRATIONALIST HEROWorldlyEducated SophisticatedWanted to be civilizedKnowledge of life based on formal learningThink rationally/logicTown life = progress ROMANTIC HEROYouthfulInnocent, intuitiveClose to nature away from corrupt citiesSense of honor based on higher principals not just societyKnowledge of life based on deeper feeling not formal learningQuest for higher truth of natural world

Washington Irving1783-1859Grew up in a middle-class American family.Irving found inspiration in the European Romantics, folklore, and legends.Irving invented fictional narrators, not signing his name to his work until later in life.Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent.Diedrich Knickerbocker-created this author who mocked Americas pastWashington Irving (cont)These narrators and their stories established Irving as a great satirist.Satire: a type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about change.Usually, satire has a moral purpose.

Rip Van Winklepublished 1819