Romantic poetry (late 18th and early 19th century):
* Celebrated individual feelings and emotions: Romantic poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelley were deeply interested in exploring the subjective world of the individual, focusing on themes of love, nature, imagination, and the sublime.
* Used lyrical language and personal expression: They employed vivid imagery, metaphors, and a musical style to convey the intensity of their emotions.
* Embraced the power of nature: Romantic poets saw nature as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal, often using it as a backdrop for their personal reflections.
20th-century literature:
* More focus on objectivity and social commentary: While emotion was still important, 20th-century literature often aimed for a more objective and critical perspective on society, exploring themes like alienation, disillusionment, and the complexities of modern life.
* Experimentation with form and style: Modernist poets like Eliot and Pound broke away from traditional poetic structures, introducing fragmented language, stream of consciousness, and other innovative techniques.
* Emphasis on psychological and philosophical exploration: 20th-century literature delved into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
In summary, while both eras explored human experience, Romantic poetry primarily focused on the expression of individual emotions, while 20th-century literature broadened its scope to encompass a more complex and critical understanding of the human condition.