The Romantic Era in American Literature

c. 1830-1860

Characteristics of the Romantic Era in American Literature:

1. A new optimism prevailed

a. society could ultimately achieve perfection

b. man could be free of his inhibitions and repressions

2. Stress on feeling and emotion rather than reason; the following often used as subject matter:

a. the long ago and far away

b. mystery and wonder

c. exoticism (the unusual, picturesque, etc.)

 

3. Individualism becomes prominent

a. man in general no longer the central interest of writers

b. men could conduct their own affairs

4. Concern for issues in morality

a. rebellion against convention

b. desire for humanitarianism: Anti-slavery legislation, women's rights, temperance, progressive education, universal peace

 

Also playing a role in this Era and its literature:

• The Frontier Influence-- writings showed the value of resourcefulness and individualism
• Revolt against older values of past generations was not untempered, wild or meaningless, as in Romantic Europe, where writers, poets, etc. often led unconventional lifestyles
• Nationalism -- Americans creating new country but determined to cultivate the "refinement" of the Old World -- at all costs, be genteel!!
• Literature still had to teach as well as please, in many cases.

Rise of these two Protestant religious groups:

• Unitarians -- liberal, placed stress on human excellence
• Methodists -- pious, evangelical

Summary of main themes:

1. Idealization of the remote in time and place

2. Love of nature for its own sake

3. Interest in the eerie or mysterious

4. Predilection for strange and exciting adventure

5. Glorification of the national ideals of freedom and republicanism