Here's why:
* Emphasis on the Sublime and the Supernatural: Romanticism celebrated the awe-inspiring power of nature and the supernatural. This often led to characters being caught in the grip of forces beyond their control, such as fate, destiny, or divine will.
* Focus on the Individual and Emotion: Romantics stressed the importance of individual experience and emotion. This meant that characters were often portrayed as being at the mercy of their own passions and desires, which could lead them down paths they couldn't foresee.
* Themes of Isolation and Alienation: Many Romantic works explored themes of isolation and alienation, suggesting that individuals were often alone in facing the uncertainties of life. This reinforced the sense that one's fate was predetermined.
Examples of Romantic Works that Explore Fate:
* "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë: The characters are driven by powerful passions and are ultimately unable to escape their predetermined fates.
* "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley: Victor Frankenstein's creation and the ensuing tragedy highlight the dangers of playing with forces beyond human control.
* "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: The Mariner's journey and his punishment for killing the albatross are driven by a supernatural force, suggesting that his fate was sealed from the start.
While other periods of literature also explore the theme of fate, Romanticism is particularly known for its emphasis on the powerlessness of individuals in the face of external forces, including fate itself.