Romanticism 1780’s to 1870’s

Age of Reason Logic Reason Common Sense Improvement

During the Age of Reason, the universe is viewed as a clock.

universe = clock

Clock: keeps time Accuracy Machine Intricate many parts working together each one matters Scientific requires knowledge to build quantitative

Age of Reason thinkers viewed the universe as an enormous clock. For them, the universe was one large machine in which each human being serves an integral part. Suggesting that each person is an important part of the universe, the metaphor supports the Age of Reason thinkers’ focus on the importance and significance of every person. This image also evokes a sense that like clocks, the universe is precise and accurate, measuring things quantitatively. Given the Age of Reason’s focus on logic and reason, such a metaphor aptly conveys their philosophy.

Romanticism 1780’s to 1860’s a reaction against the Age of Reason

Seeks to find/understand the core of oneself; the exploration of self A reaction against the focus on reason; Reason doesn’t allow for imagination Distrust of science Imagination is the supreme faculty of the mind. Considered necessary for creating all art magination I

ntuition I Valued intuition over logic Relied on instincts and feelings Focus on spontaneity and wonder British Romantic William Wordsworth described poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”

I dealism Looked at things from an optimistic point of view The concept that we can make the world a better place A sense that all things were possible; limitless Not jaded or sarcastic Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, held that the mind forces the world we perceive to take the shape of space and time.

I nspiration from Nature Nature is the source of all wisdom Simple things from nature are divine Organic (natural, simplest form) Romantic artists were “inspired creators” rather than “technical masters.”

I ndividuality Individual worth and freedom considered important Emphasis on the common man Celebrated the individual for his humanity Walt Whitman, a later Romantic poet, wrote a poem entitled “Song of Myself.” It begins: “I celebrate myself…”

I nner Experience Seeks to find/understand the core of oneself Emphasizes the exploration of self What is the essence or core of being human? The ancient Greeks exhorted everyone to “Know thyself.”

Imagination: use of supernatural, not necessarily making an effort to be realistic Intuition: use of youthful characters Idealism: simple living is idealized wonder and awe about the simple things in life; joy in small things In Literature, we see:

Inspiration from Nature cities viewed as corrupt; when characters go into nature, they feel free and better; journeys into the countryside Individuality focus on everyday, regular people as characters the need to escape Inner Experience characters seeking to understand themselves better

During the Romantic period, the universe is viewed as a living tree.

Universe = living tree

Living Tree: alive Growing potential to grow and change Organic Natural Unique not contrived or man-made simple, beautiful in its own right

Romantic artists viewed the universe as a living tree. Focused on the potential of all people to grow and change, the Romantics felt that, like a living tree, the universe had the potential to expand and change, accommodating the imaginations of all people. The metaphor also emphasizes the importance of nature as a source of inspiration. For Romantic thinkers, the simplicity and beauty of a living tree parallels perfectly the goal of living simply and appreciating the beautiful.