Romanticism: Individualism, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Idealism
Romanticism: Historical and Psychological Context
Historical Circumstances
The roots of Romanticism can be traced back to 18th-century German philosophy and the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement. This movement challenged classical artistic rules and emphasized the expression of feelings and experiences, laying the groundwork for pre-Romantic sensibilities that spread throughout Europe.
Romanticism, a major cultural phenomenon of the first half of the 19th century, influenced not only literature but also art, politics, and fashion, reflecting a distinct approach to life.
The Psychology of the Romantic Individual
Several key characteristics define the Romantic individual:
- Individualism: Romanticism championed the individual and the expression of personality. The “I” became central, with the external world viewed as a subjective projection.
- Isolation and Loneliness: This intense individualism led to an awareness of one’s unique personality, sometimes resulting in feelings of superiority and isolation. The artist’s ego became prominent in creative works.
- Yearning for Freedom: Romantic individualism fueled a desire for freedom from all constraints, influencing art, literature, music, and even commerce and conscience.
- Irrationalism: Romantics rejected reason, embracing the supernatural, magic, and mystery. Their thinking lacked systematic coherence, focusing on intuition and imagination.
- Subjectivism: Emotions, dreams, and fantasies were valued as forms of knowledge. Intuition, imagination, and passion were considered superior to reason.
- Idealism: Romantics sought absolute ideals, influenced by German idealistic philosophy. This pursuit of perfection fueled their vitality but also led to frustration and unhappiness when ideals remained unfulfilled.
- Metaphysical Anguish: Loss of faith in reason and the awareness of forces beyond rational understanding created a sense of insecurity and anguish. Romantics felt like victims of a blind fate, grappling with the infinite.
- Clash with Reality: The contrast between Romantic ideals and the prosaic reality led to disappointment and rebellion against social, political, and religious norms.
- Evasion: Romantics sought refuge from reality in solitary places like castles, cemeteries, gardens, and dark, hidden spaces.
- Nationalism: Romantics emphasized the unique roots of each people in their history, literature, and culture, opposing the universalist spirit of the Enlightenment.
Literary Techniques and Themes
The Creative Genius
Romanticism viewed art as an expression of the creative genius within. Spontaneity, intuition, and originality were valued above all else. The artwork was seen as a product of inspiration, reflecting the artist’s unique value.
Romantics rejected the rigid rules of classicism, embracing new verse forms, rhythms, and stanzas to express a wide range of emotions.
Key Themes
- Loneliness: The preference for solitary places reflected the Romantic’s individualism and escape from reality.
- New Sensitivity: Introspection, nostalgia, melancholy, sadness, and loneliness were prominent themes, along with a sense of the transience of life.
- Dynamic Nature: Nature was depicted in dramatic motion, often in nocturnal settings, reflecting the turbulent emotions of the Romantic artist.