The age of Romanticism brought about a new type of emotional literature. The scientific and rational thought of the previous century gave way to the most violent emotions: enthusiasm, melancholy, passion, emotion. The coming of the 19th century brought a period of cultural change which was notable in many aspects of life.MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF ROMANTICISM.
- Individualism and the triumph of subjectivity.
- Interest in Nature as inspiration for Art.
- Fascination with magic, dreams, fantasy and mystery.
- Spirit of rebellion.
- Idealism.
- Renewed interest in the past and exotic cultures.
- A feeling of personal liberty.
Romanticism dominated English Literature through 19th century. In Britain, it is represented by two generations of poets:
- The Lake Poets: William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The most important elements of their works are: solitary meditation, a deep emotion produced by the contemplation of nature, the presence of a mysterious atmosphere...
- The Rebel Poets: Lord Byron, John Keats, Percy Shelley. The poetry of all three is full of romantic emotion, revolutionary ideas and notable perfection.
Romantic novels were also popular. Some well-known examples are Mary Shelley´s "Frankenstein" (1818), Emily Bronte´s "Wuthering Heights" (1847), Charlotte Bronte´s "Jane Eyre" (1847) and Walter Scott´s "Ivanhoe" (1819).
