Writers:
* Emphasis on Emotion and Individuality: Romantic writers like William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, and Percy Shelley challenged Enlightenment rationalism by emphasizing the power of emotions, intuition, and the individual soul. Their works often explored themes of love, nature, and the sublime, with a focus on the unique experiences of individuals.
* Nature and the Supernatural: Romantics saw nature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of the divine. They often wrote about the beauty, power, and mystery of the natural world, and explored supernatural themes, such as ghosts, fairies, and folklore.
* Social Reform and Revolution: Some Romantic writers, like Percy Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft, were deeply concerned with social justice and inequality. They used their writing to advocate for political and social reform, and some even supported revolutionary movements.
Musicians:
* Expression of Emotion and Passion: Romantic composers, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Johannes Brahms, moved away from the strict formality of Classical music, favoring emotional expression and dramatic contrasts. They explored a wider range of musical themes and genres, including folk music and nationalistic themes.
* The Sublime and the Dramatic: Romantic music often sought to evoke powerful emotions, such as awe, fear, and ecstasy. Composers used dynamic contrasts, dramatic melodies, and complex harmonies to create a sense of grandeur and intensity.
* Nationalism and the Folk Tradition: Many Romantic composers, like Frédéric Chopin and Antonín Dvořák, drew inspiration from their national heritage. They incorporated folk melodies and rhythms into their compositions, creating a sense of national identity and pride.
Artists:
* Individual Expression and Emotion: Romantic painters, such as William Blake, Eugène Delacroix, and Caspar David Friedrich, moved away from the strict rules and classical ideals of the Enlightenment. They favored emotional expression, individual style, and imaginative interpretations of reality.
* Nature and the Sublime: Romantic art often depicted the power and beauty of nature, often in dramatic landscapes and stormy seascapes. Artists sought to capture the sublime, the awe-inspiring and overwhelming power of the natural world.
* The Fantastic and the Imaginative: Romantic artists explored the realm of fantasy, mythology, and folklore. They often depicted supernatural creatures, historical legends, and scenes of emotional intensity.
In Summary:
The Romantic movement can be seen as both a reaction against and a continuation of the Enlightenment. While Romantics rejected the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and objectivity, they also shared its belief in progress and the potential of humanity. By celebrating emotion, imagination, and the individual experience, Romantics opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and social change.