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The History Of Romanticism

Romanticism has been defined in a variety of ways, both by its supporters and by its rivals, and, indeed, by the historians who sought to be impartial. It was obviously a revolt against the enforcement of the rules which had been framed in the golden age of French literature as representing the best practice of the best writers. Romanticism began in the early 19th century and drastically changed the way people perceived themselves and the state of nature around them (Burroughs 51). Romanticism allowed people to get away from the constricted, normal views of life and concentrate on an emotional and sentimental side of humanity. This not only influenced political policies and philosophy, but was also a sharp difference from ideas and harmony featured during the Enlightenment period.
It was characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual’s expression of emotion and imagination. Booth explains it was the departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions (3). This changed the way people thought and expressed themselves and the way they lived, both socially and politically. Romanticism was a movement by many strong-willed people who changed Europe with their works; Johann Wolfgang von Goethe with his literature; Richard Wagner, his music; and Friedrich Nietzsche with his philosophy (22).

There were many components of Romanticism. Nationalism was very important, and many composers used this romanticism to emphasize national identity.
The Brothers Grimm developed folklore, collected German tales, and published books (Mathur 64). Art during the Romantic Period was given an artistic value, instead of just a price. Romanticism entered a reactionary period of history when its seeds became planted in poetry, artwork and literature. The Romantics turned to the...