Characteristics of Romanticism in English Literature

An emphasis on personal freedom and liberty is a distinction of Romanticism. Logic, reason and creativity were valued more highly than conformist or cliche topics. Heroes and heroines of Romantic novels often questioned their roles in society and purposes in life rather than following a formulaic storyline. The idea of the individual's imagination as a way of exploring psychology and philosophy also gained popularity during the Romantic period.

Romanticism marked a departure from morals backed by organized religion to nature as a form of divine inspiration. Literature from this period often references nature as a source of inspiration and artistic value. Material and traditional aspects of society were treated as artificial, and appreciation of nature was viewed as a return to the basic elements of human existence. Nature represented an organic connection with the world at large, and often the universe, to Romantics.

Following the political revolutions in America and France, authors were inspired to write with a greater degree of personal style. Poetry was further explored during the Romantic period, with an emphasis on experimental styles and non-traditional form. Romantics advocated the philosophical concept of the "self," embracing the same upheaval in tradition that the revolutions reflected. The ills of society served as inspiration for Romantics to explore the disastrous side effects of industrialization, the working poor, loneliness and political satire.

The use of symbolism gained popularity as the Romantics struggled for ways to communicate the complexity of human emotions. Elements of nature were often used as symbolic elements, combining two characteristics of Romanticism. Myths and symbols were used within literature to create visual imagery and further illustrate new concepts and ideas. Romantic poetry in particular explored using words to create symbols which communicated larger philosophical concepts.