The Essence of the Romantic Movement

The Essence of the Romantic Movement

Romanticism began in Europe in the eighteenth century as an artistic and intellectual movement. "It was characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual's expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions." 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.

There were many components of Romanticism. Nationalism was very important, and many composers used this to emphasize national identity. The Brothers Grimm developed folklore, collected German tales, and published books. Art during the Romantic Period was given an aesthetic value, instead of just a price. Romanticism is a reaction against Classicism, Rationalism, and Deism of the eighteenth century.

Romanticism became popular from the years 1800 to 1850. The first phase of the Romantic Movement was in Germany with the innovations in content and literary style and by obsession with the supernatural. The Germans rebelled against Napoleonic rule, French civilization, and the philosophy of the Age of Enlightenment. Germany became the most romantic of all countries, and German influence spread throughout Europe.

The works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe were examples of Romantic Period literature. He was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and studied law at Leipzig University. Goethe was a German novelist, dramatist, poet, humanist, scientist, philosopher, and chief minister of state at Weimer. Goethe's first play was inspired by a love affair and he later published his first novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, in 1774. This novel, written in a series of letters, started the model...

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