Introduction to Romanticism Flashcards
What is Romanticism?
It is a movement which spread throughout Europe from the end of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century. It focuses on individual subjectivity and feelings, against the restrains of rationalism.
Where does Romanticism has its origins?
It has its roots into the movement “Sturm und Drang”, born in Germany between 1760s and 1780s.
What’s “Sensucht”?
Sensucht is the desire for what is distant and unattainable
Tell me about the word “Romantic”
It was used for the first time in England (in the middle of 17th century) with a critical meaning, that was to describe the fantastic and unrealistic style of chivalric romances.
During the 18th century it was used in France by Jean-Jacques Rousseau to express the vague and inexpressible feeling one has in front of a landscape. Then it was used by M.me de Stael, to describe the new sensibility that was arising in Germany.
With the German poet Novalis, the word acquired an entire positive meaning.
Why is Romanticism called the “Age of Revolutions”
Because its birth is mainly due to the American, French and Industrial Revolution
