Romantic Period

Inspired by the French Revolution (redefining of political power) and the Industrial Revolution changed everything)

6 Key Ideas

Folklore

Natural, Accessible, and comprised of simpler/more ordinary language (against the snobbish prose & art)

• Saw Shakespeare as a rebellious figure - an icon, example
• Comedy & Tragedy didn't belong mixed - one or the other
• Champion the individual

Shakespeare

Gothic & Medieval (not modern)

Dripping with blood, horror, emphasis on fear, supernatural inquiries

• Violence as a plot device

Romantic Love (not just marriage contracts)

Love was the driving force for everything (marriage was not about wealth or security)

• Passionate, explicit, erotic
• Love can be between anyone and should be openly explored
• Develop the idea of individuals (exploring identity)
• Lived recklessly, died young

Individualism (not fixed roles)

Nature & Countryside (not industrialization)

Celebrated awe & wonder of the natural world

• Used poetry to demonstrate the horrific conditions of the poor/city folk