Write an essay explaining four of the Romanticism Characteristics we discussed in
class.
Write a 4 paragraph response that includes the following:
• Explain four of the Romantic period's writing characteristics.
• Dedicate one paragraph to each characteristic. Be sure to include a topic sentence with each paragraph. Include an example of the characteristic by referencing a poem (title and author) from this unit.
• Use four different poems as examples - a different poem for each characteristic paragraph.
• In the paragraph, summarize the poem and reference specific lines as examples of the characteristic. Be sure to follow MLA citation rules (author line numbers). (Wordsworth I. 5-7).
For example, Characteristic A:
Writers of the Romantic era often described nature in their poems. They believed that by writing and reading about nature,
• In the poem __, by __, nature is described
as (retell the part of the poem that mentions nature in your own words). In lines _ _, the poet was pointing out that nature ____
and we as humans could improve our own existence by ____
The Romantic period was marked by a variety of distinctive characteristics in its literature. Four of these characteristics will be explored in this essay. Firstly, writers of the Romantic era often expressed a deep appreciation for nature in their poems. They believed that by immersing themselves in the natural world, they could find solace and inspiration. In William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," nature is described as a source of joy and comfort. In lines 5-7, the poet writes, "A host, of golden daffodils; / Beside the lake, beneath the trees, / Fluttering and dancing in the breeze." The poet is highlighting the beauty and liveliness of the natural world, suggesting that our connection with nature can uplift our spirits and improve our lives.
Secondly, Romantic writers often celebrated individuality and placed a strong emphasis on personal feelings and emotions. They rejected the constraints of societal norms and embraced the idea of self-expression. In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan," the poet expresses his own imaginative and dreamlike experiences. One example can be seen in lines 6-7: "A savage place! as holy and enchanted / As e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted." Through these lines, the poet expresses a sense of awe and wonder, inviting readers to explore their own unique perspectives and emotions.
Thirdly, the writers of the Romantic period frequently incorporated supernatural elements into their works, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. They believed in the power of the imagination to envision and create alternate realities. Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ode to the West Wind" exemplifies this characteristic. In the lines 63-66, the poet writes, "Wild Spirit, which art moving everywhere; / Destroyer and preserver; hear, oh, hear!" Here, Shelley personifies the West Wind as a powerful force capable of both destruction and preservation. By using supernatural imagery, the poet conveys the limitless possibilities of the imagination.
Lastly, Romantic writers often expressed a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. They believed that the simplicity and purity of earlier times were lost in the industrialization and rapid progress of their own era. In John Keats' poem "To Autumn," the poet portrays the beauty and tranquility of the harvest season. In lines 5-7, Keats describes the ripened fruit and the sound of "soft-dying day" to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity of a bygone era. Through his imagery, the poet suggests that nature itself holds the key to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.
In conclusion, the Romantic era was characterized by a deep appreciation for nature, a celebration of individuality and personal emotions, the incorporation of supernatural elements, and a sense of nostalgia. Through the examination of poems such as Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," Coleridge's "Kubla Khan," Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind," and Keats' "To Autumn," we can see how these characteristics were manifested in the literature of the time. By exploring these characteristics, Romantic writers sought to capture the essence of human experience and convey powerful emotions to their readers.