Romanticism Flashcards
What changes in the US contributed to the American Renaissance?
Industrialization and democratic ideals inspired a focus on individualism in literature.
Why were the Fireside Poets popular?
They wrote accessible poetry on family, patriotism, and nature.
What was the nation’s mood in the mid-1800s despite Dark Romanticism?
The mood was optimistic due to growth, but also had darker themes due to issues like slavery.
What are the traits of Light Romanticism (LR) and Dark Romanticism (DR)?
LR celebrates nature, individualism, and beauty; DR explores human nature’s darker aspects, sin, and the supernatural.
What does the term ‘Gothic’ refer to in literature?
It originated from architecture and applies to literature with eerie or mysterious elements.
How do Dark Romantic themes influence modern society?
They impact modern horror, thriller, and Gothic fiction.
What does the cross symbolize in ‘A Cross of Snow’ by Longfellow?
It represents grief and Longfellow’s mourning for his wife.
How does the sound in ‘The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls’ reflect its subject?
The rhythmic repetition mirrors the tide’s ongoing nature.
What is the overall message about life in ‘The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls’?
Life is fleeting, but nature persists.
What does ‘A Psalm of Life’ encourage regarding our lives?
It encourages living a purposeful life to inspire others.
What belief about the afterlife is suggested in ‘A Psalm of Life’?
It suggests leaving a lasting impact beyond one’s physical life.
What is the problem with the tone/content of ‘from Deerslayer’ by James Fenimore Cooper?
Critics find it overly romanticized or unrealistic.
What is a critical opinion of James Fenimore Cooper’s work?
Adventure is praised, but often criticized for stereotypes and idealized Native American portrayals.
What motivated Thoreau to live by Walden Pond?
He sought a simple life to find life’s essence.
Why did Thoreau leave Walden?
He left to experience other aspects of life and personal growth.
What important contrasts are present in ‘The Oval Portrait’ by Edgar Allan Poe?
It contrasts beauty with mortality, art with life.
How does Poe ambiguously depict the artist’s wife’s death in ‘The Oval Portrait’?
It is unclear if the artist’s obsession with painting causes her death.
In ‘from Typee’, what is compared to cannibalism?
Melville draws comparisons to ‘civilized’ practices.
What is Melville’s final opinion on Typee culture?
He presents an ambivalent view, both admiring and critiquing the culture.
How is ‘Minister’s Black Veil’ similar to The Scarlet Letter?
Both explore sin, guilt, and judgment.
What does the veil symbolize in ‘Minister’s Black Veil’?
It represents hidden sin and the concept that everyone has secrets.
Who is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow?
An influential American poet known for ‘Paul Revere’s Ride’ and ‘The Song of Hiawatha’.
What is William Cullen Bryant known for?
He is known for ‘Thanatopsis’ and was one of the first American poets recognized internationally.
What themes does James Fenimore Cooper focus on in his works?
Frontier life and Native American themes.
