English Romantic Poetry

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English Romantic Poetry
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What is Romanticism?

• By Romantic poetry we dont mean lovey-dovey
  The Notebook kind of romantic. Romanticism refers
  to the writing style and ideals.
• The Romantic Period spans the years 1789-1832 and
  was a time of revolution (in France) and reform
  (in England).

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Hallmarks of Romantic Poetry

• Romantic poetry
• Uses creative imagination
• Focuses on nature
• Places importance on myth and symbolism
• Focuses on feeling and intuition
• These poets were often referred to as the nature
  poets
• Romanticism is really a reaction against the
  Industrial Revolution and societys focus on
  reason and city life

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Famous Romantic Poets

• William Blake
• I will not reason and compare my business is to
  create.
• Claimed he could converse with angels and other
  divine figures.
• Famous works Songs of Innocence and Experience.
  This work showed the two contrasting sides of the
  human soul.

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Famous Romantic Poets

• William Wordsworth
• Famously described poetry as the spontaneous
  overflow of powerful feelings from emotions
  recollected in tranquility
• Famous works Tinturn Abbey
• Percy Bysshe Shelley
• Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of
  the world, and makes familiar objects as if they
  were not familiar.
• Died young-drowned in a storm at age 29
• Famous works Ozymandias Ode to the West Wind

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Victorian/Modern Poetry
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The Victorian Era

• Spans the years 1832-1901
• The Victorian Era was a time of expansion and
  reform.
• Many advancements in technology and
  manufacturing, as well as a rise in the middle
  class and improved conditions for workers.
• So named for Queen Victoria, who placed great
  value on moral behavior

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Poetry During the Victorian Era

• Move from romanticism to realism
• Realism sought to show everyday life as it was
  really lived.
• Focused on the effects of the Industrial
  Revolution and often brought social problems to
  light.
• More experimentation in rhythm and a tendency
  toward a more pessimistic mood.

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The Modern Era

• Spans the years 1901-present
• A time of intense political change
• Technological advances continued from the
  Victorian Era (electric power, the automobile)
• Womens rights
• Nationalist movement in British colonies
• World Wars I/II
• During WWI Britain lost almost an entire
  generation of young men
• Rise in dictatorships and fascism

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Writing During the Modern Era

• More of a focus on social commentary and satire
• Wide range in writing styles
• Very personal