Romanticism: Characteristics and Genres
Romanticism
Concept:
Romanticism, derived from the French word “roman” (novel), is associated with romance, fantasy, and a shift in ideological mindset. It’s related to idealism (a change in philosophy) and rejects 18th-century ideas, proposing the exaltation of spirit and the concept of man as not only a body but also a soul. It emerged in the late 18th century and spanned the entire 19th century.
Definition:
Romanticism is an ideological, cultural, and artistic movement that arose at the end of the 18th century and developed in the first half of the 19th century, not only in Europe but also in America. This powerful movement promotes spirituality, imagination, and rejects all neoclassical rules, considering creation a product of the artist’s freedom.
Ideological and Cultural Movement:
Idealism: Politically, liberalism, as proposed by philosopher Kant, promotes freedom as a human right. These ideas were fueled by the French Revolution (1789), which introduced universal suffrage and citizen participation in government.
Constitutionalism and Nationalism: Constitutional liberalism and nationalism emerged in countries that were not unified. Napoleon’s European wars aimed to create a vast empire, but resistance in Russia and Spain slowed his advance. In Spain, this led to a resurgence of nationalism and the recovery of regional languages like Galician and Catalan.
Liberalism and Conservatism: The bourgeoisie initially joined the revolution but later became conservative after gaining wealth and power. Some, however, remained liberal and continued advocating for better conditions for the marginalized. Conservative romantics sought to preserve traditions and return to old regimes, often featuring rebellious characters like Robin Hood or Moby Dick. Liberal romantics, on the other hand, critiqued society and were often considered atheists or misfits.
Characteristics of the Romantic Artist:
The romantic artist is deeply influenced by the ideology of their time but critiques it and doesn’t feel bound by its rules. They prioritize their individuality and personality, which can lead to disappointment and frustration when faced with the realities of society. They see themselves as creators with a divine gift, akin to gods, leading to individualism and a belief in their superiority. This can result in either a critique of society or complete frustration when their ideals clash with reality.
Common Characteristics of Traditional and Liberal Romanticism:
Exaltation of Creative Freedom: Romantic artists reject neoclassical rules and regulations, believing that creation should be original and free from constraints.
Evasion in the Past: To overcome the neoclassical influence, romantics sought inspiration in the past, particularly the Middle Ages. They recreated historical characters and settings, drawing on legends, anecdotes, and stories. This led to a revival of medieval literature and a philological effort to recover forgotten works.
Romantic Themes:
Exaltation of the Self (Ego-Subjectivism): Romantic artists prioritize their own subjective experiences and feelings above all else.
Idealized Love: Love becomes a central theme, often portrayed as passionate and volcanic. However, this idealized love can lead to frustration when confronted with reality, unless the loved one dies or rejects the artist.
Freedom: Romantics celebrate freedom in all its forms, featuring marginalized characters like pirates, prostitutes, and beggars. Satan and nature are also symbols of freedom and rebellion.
Nature: Wild, untamed landscapes, such as storms, raging seas, ruins, and cemeteries, reflect the romantic spirit. Nature is often depicted through imagery of water, land, fire, and air.
Philosophical Influences: Romantics grapple with philosophical questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence. This can lead to feelings of emptiness and a sense of not belonging, sometimes resulting in escapism or even suicide.
Formal Characteristics:
Breaking the Rules: Romantics reject neoclassical rules and embrace absolute freedom in creation.
Lyrical: New metric structures (silva, tenths, eighths, Sapphic stanza) and genres like prose poems emerge.
Theater: The three unities (action, time, place) are broken, and a variety of meters are used in a single composition.
Narrative: The historical novel and the social novel (e.g., “Les Misérables”) gain prominence. Subgenres like articles of customs (e.g., “The Old Castilian”) also appear.
Romanticism in Spain:
Romanticism arrived in Spain later than in other parts of Europe, leading to controversy. Some, like Nicolás Böhl de Faber, argued that Spain didn’t need Romanticism as it was already present in its traditions. Others, like Carlos Aribau and Alcalá Galiano, promoted Romantic ideas through newspapers and literary magazines.
Two Stages of Romanticism in Spain:
Traditional Romanticism: Authors like the Duke of Rivas embraced traditional elements and sought inspiration in the past. José de Zorrilla’s “Don Juan Tenorio” exemplifies this approach.
Liberal Romanticism: Rebellious authors like José de Espronceda and Mariano José de Larra critiqued society and often faced marginalization. Many of them ended up as the losers in their struggle against the established order.
Romantic Genres:
Theater:
Romantic theater broke neoclassical rules, mixed prose and verse, used varied metrics, combined serious and comical elements, and expanded the structure from three to four or five acts. Characters embodied the spirit of the time, often as rebellious heroes or heroines. Special effects were used to enhance the dramatic impact.
Notable works include “Don Álvaro, or the Force of Destiny” by the Duke of Rivas and “Don Juan Tenorio” by José Zorrilla.
Lyrical Poetry:
Romantic poets expressed their subjectivity and intimate feelings in their poetry. José de Espronceda’s works, such as “The Pirate’s Song” and “The Song of the Beggar,” celebrated freedom and rebellion. He also wrote narrative poems like “The Student of Salamanca.”
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, a representative of late Romanticism, explored themes of creation, love, despair, pain, loneliness, and death in his “Rhymes.” His prose works include “Letters from My Cell” and “Legends.”
Rosalía de Castro, writing in both Galician and Castilian, explored themes of indifference, disenchantment, death, and anxiety in her works like “Galician Songs” and “On the Banks of the Sar.”
Romantic Prose or Narrative:
The historical novel, though not as prominent as poetry, featured examples like “The Youth of Henry the Mourner” (Larra), “The Moorish Maid of Bembibre” (Gil y Carrasco), and “Macías” (Espronceda).
Articles of customs, written by authors like Estébanez Calderón and Ramón de Mesonero Romanos, depicted scenes from everyday life and provided insights into 19th-century Spanish society.
Literary articles, particularly those by Mariano José de Larra, offered social and political criticism. Larra’s feuilletons, published in newspapers and magazines, explored sentimental themes and contributed to the diffusion of Romantic ideas.