Romanticism1780’s to 1870’s

Age of Reason

LogicReason

Common SenseImprovement

During the Age of Reason, the universe is viewed as a clock.

universe = clock

Clock:• keeps time• Accuracy• Machine• Intricate• many parts

working togethereach one matters

• Scientific• requires knowledge to build• quantitative

Age of Reason thinkers viewed the universe as an enormous clock. For them, the universe was one large machine in which each human being serves an integral part. Suggesting that each person is an important part of the universe, the metaphor supports the Age of Reason thinkers’ focus on the importance and significance of every person. This image also evokes a sense that like clocks, the universe is precise and accurate, measuring things quantitatively. Given the Age of Reason’s focus on logic and reason, such a metaphor aptly conveys their philosophy.

Romanticism1780’s to 1860’s

a reaction against the Age of Reason

•Seeks to find/understand the core of oneself; the exploration of self•A reaction against the focus on reason; Reason doesn’t allow for imagination•Distrust of science•Imagination is the supreme faculty of the mind.•Considered necessary for creating all art

maginationI

ntuitionI•Valued intuition over logic•Relied on instincts and feelings•Focus on spontaneity and wonder

British Romantic William Wordsworth described poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”

Idealism•Looked at things from an optimistic point of view•The concept that we can make the world a better place•A sense that all things were possible; limitless•Not jaded or sarcastic

Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, held that the mind forces the world we perceive to take the shape of space and time.

Inspiration from Nature•Nature is the source of all wisdom•Simple things from nature are divine•Organic (natural, simplest form)

Romantic artists were “inspired creators” rather than “technical masters.”

Individuality•Individual worth and freedom considered important•Emphasis on the common man•Celebrated the individual for his humanity

Walt Whitman, a later Romantic poet, wrote a poem entitled “Song of Myself.” It begins: “I celebrate myself…”

Inner Experience

•Seeks to find/understand the core of oneself•Emphasizes the exploration of self•What is the essence or core of being human?

The ancient Greeks exhorted everyone to “Know thyself.”

Imagination:use of supernatural, not necessarily

making an effort to be realistic

Intuition:use of youthful characters

Idealism:simple living is idealizedwonder and awe about the simple things in life; joy in small things

In Literature, we see:

Inspiration from Naturecities viewed as corrupt; when characters go into nature, they feel free and better;journeys into the countryside

Individualityfocus on everyday, regular people as

charactersthe need to escape

Inner Experiencecharacters seeking to understand

themselves better

During the Romantic period, the universe is viewed as a living tree.

Universe = living tree

Living Tree:•

• alive• Growing• potential to grow and change• Organic• Natural• Unique• not contrived or man-made• simple, beautiful in its own right

Romantic artists viewed the universe as a living tree. Focused on the potential of all people to grow and change, the Romantics felt that, like a living tree, the universe had the potential to expand and change, accommodating the imaginations of all people. The metaphor also emphasizes the importance of nature as a source of inspiration. For Romantic thinkers, the simplicity and beauty of a living tree parallels perfectly the goal of living simply and appreciating the beautiful.