Look at one of the literary periods we’ve studied from Anglo-Saxon to Romantic Period. From a historical perspective, give examples of how the societal values of the time are present / featured in the works we’ve read from the time period.
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.
One prominent feature of the Romantic Period was a rejection of industrialization and urbanization in favor of nature and rural life. This can be seen in works such as William Wordsworth's poetry, where the beauty and power of nature are celebrated, and in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," where the destructive consequences of man's attempt to control nature are explored.
Additionally, the Romantic Period placed a strong emphasis on individualism, emotion, and the power of the imagination. This is evident in the works of poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats, who explored themes of personal experience, longing, and the inner workings of the human mind.
Furthermore, the Romantic Period was a time of political and social upheaval, with revolutions and movements for social change taking place across Europe. This can be seen in the works of authors like Jane Austen, whose novels often critiqued the societal norms and expectations of the time, and in the poetry of Lord Byron, who was a vocal critic of the established order and championed the cause of liberty and individual rights.
Overall, the societal values of the Romantic Period, including a love of nature, emphasis on individualism, and engagement with political and social issues, are clearly reflected in the literature of the time.