How to write an essay - Romanticism

Introduction

Romanticism was an artistic and literary movement, which developed a new sensibility toward nature. In particular, it focused on the emotions that nature could arouse in the individual. Therefore, we can affirm, that Romanticism was the total opposite of the Enlightment, focused on human reason and the importance of judgement over imagination.
In this essay I am going to deal with the new notions of this age, which concern Nature, Poetry and the role of the poet in society. I am going to analyse each of these aspects, using as lenses of analysis some of the most influential Romantic poets: Wordsworth, Coleridge and Byron.

The role of poetry

Starting with Wordsworth, he expressed his new notions of poetry in the so called 'Manifesto of English Romanticism' (Preface to the new edition of Lyrical Ballads, 1800). According to him, poems should treat of simple events of common life, which could give strong emotions. He wrote about personal experiences, as we can read in the poem 'Daffodils'. Instead, Coleridge wrote about the supernatural and, regarding Byron, for him poetry meant freedom and a way to express his inner struggle and feelings.

The role of Nature

As for Nature, Wordsworth saw it as a source of pleasure, joy and consolation. He also identified it in the divine. However, Coleridge only shared the idea that Nature had to be respected, as he showed in his work 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' (in Lyrical Ballads, 1798). Infact, the protagonist was cursed in eternity after killing an Albatross. Nature reflected his feelings, as it was for Byron, but this one, unlike the other two poets, wanted to dominate it, as showed in Manfred. Undoubtedly, we can affirm that nature was fundamental in poetic creativity.

The role of the poet:

As far as the role of the poet is concerned, both Wordsworth and Coleridge emphasised his imagination and sensibility. He could see things common people could not. Byron, instead, saw the poet as an isolated and tormented man, who was for freedom: he himself embodied the so called byronic hero.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that Romanticism was undoubtedly one of the most important period of human history. Each of the above quoted poets had as centre of their ideas nature, emotions and instinct. They were very important, since they basically led to the formation of our modern society. So, Romanticism was much more than love affairs and feelings.