draft essay
Let's take a look at the Romantic Period (late 18th to early 19th centuries) and examine how societal values of the time are present in the works we've read.
During the Romantic Period, societal values were shifting away from the strict rationality and structure of the Enlightenment towards a focus on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. This shift is evident in many of the works from this time period that we have read.
One of the key values of the Romantic Period was a focus on individualism and personal expression. This can be seen in works such as William Wordsworth's "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey" where the speaker reflects on the power of nature to inspire personal growth and spiritual renewal. The speaker's connection to nature becomes a symbol of his own individual journey towards self-discovery and understanding.
Another important value of the Romantic Period was a rejection of industrialization and a celebration of the natural world. This is evident in works like William Blake's "London" where the speaker laments the negative effects of urbanization and industrial progress on society. The poem critiques the dehumanizing effects of city life and celebrates the beauty and purity of nature as a contrast to the corruption of urban society.
Additionally, the Romantic Period placed a high value on emotion and the power of the imagination. This can be seen in works like Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Khan" where the speaker's vivid and fantastical descriptions evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. The poem explores the creative power of the imagination to transport the reader to otherworldly realms and to inspire a sense of awe and wonder.
In conclusion, the societal values of the Romantic Period are present in the works we've read through their focus on individualism, nature, emotion, and the power of the imagination. These values challenged the prevailing attitudes of the time and paved the way for a new era of artistic expression and creative freedom. The works from this time period continue to inspire readers today with their timeless themes and universal messages about the human experience.