1. The Romantic Period
c. 1800—1865

2. Romantic Period ≠ Romance Stories
The Romantic Period does not refer to a literary period dominated by love stories.
From Professor Bruce Harvey (American Literature):
“Romanticism, as a term, derives from romance, which from the Medieval Period ( ) on simply meant a story (e.g. all the chivalric King Arthur legends) that was adventuristic and improbable. ‘Romances’ are distinguished from ‘novels,’ which emphasized the mundane and realistic.”

3. Historical Background
Industrial Revolution spread from Britain to the U.S.
1820s—1830s: “Age of Reform” (many organizations worked to end slavery, stop drunkenness, secure women’s rights, provide better care for the mentally ill, and improve prisons)
At the beginning of this period, America was emerging from its revolution as a unified nation. The Civil War occurred at the end of this period.
For detailed information, please see the Glencoe textbook, p. 184—191.

4. Characteristics First major surge of distinctly American literature
Issues addressed included American identity and the slavery debate
Imagination and feeling valued over intellect and reason
Some celebrated individualism and freedom (ex. Transcendentalists), believing in basic goodness, while others took a more pessimistic view of human life and emotions (ex. Gothic literature)
Strong belief in the importance of nature
Rather than a wilderness to be tamed (think Exploration Period), nature was celebrated as beautiful and powerful

5. Readings Short Story Poem
“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe (1846)
Just for fun:
The Cask of Amontillego (image):
Alan Parsons Project song with graphics (kind of hilarious; also kind of a jam – they made ‘concept albums’ in the 70s and 80s):
Poem
“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe (1845)
Textbook p. 263 or follow along with the subtitles: (read by Christopher Walken; images by Gustave Dore)
The Simpsons version (Treehouse of Horror):

6. Short Answer Response
How are Poe’s works, specifically “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Raven,” representative of the Romantic period? Support your answer with evidence from both texts.

7. Sources:
Glencoe Literature textbook – “Texas Treasures American Literature”