Timeline of Romantic Movement
A Time of Revolution
The Romantic Period with its emphasis on self expression and imagination can be seen as a response to the well-ordered Age of Reason that proceeded it. The Romantics also wrote a lot about nature and the proof of divinity and ameliorating qualities they found in nature. It is important to keep in mind, that the industrial revolution began in England just before and continued throughout the Romantic Era. Along with industry came pollution and a flock to urban areas which were often dirty, cramped, and unsafe. The Romantic poets encouraged people of this time to seek nature and hold on to nature's healing power with them in the city in the form of poetry. To read more about the Industrial Revolution in England, check out this link.
The Romantic poets also focused on the individual and the importance of the individual's thoughts and feelings. This is important to keep in mind considering this time frame follows directly on the heels of the American Revolution and plays host to many revolutions namely the French, Haitian, Spanish American, and Greek. In response to all the unsettling political events, England tightened its grip on its citizens to prevent revolution closer to home. Romantic poets believed that their poetry should serve a social purpose, protecting the rights of individuals. Most of the Romantic writers wrote to protect their rights in England and well as to issue support for the French Revolution at first. Their attitudes towards the French Revolution changed, however, as it continued. To read more about England's reaction to the French Revolution, go to this link.
The Romantic poets also focused on the individual and the importance of the individual's thoughts and feelings. This is important to keep in mind considering this time frame follows directly on the heels of the American Revolution and plays host to many revolutions namely the French, Haitian, Spanish American, and Greek. In response to all the unsettling political events, England tightened its grip on its citizens to prevent revolution closer to home. Romantic poets believed that their poetry should serve a social purpose, protecting the rights of individuals. Most of the Romantic writers wrote to protect their rights in England and well as to issue support for the French Revolution at first. Their attitudes towards the French Revolution changed, however, as it continued. To read more about England's reaction to the French Revolution, go to this link.
William Wordsworth
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Whenever you have issues with a poem, try reading it out loud. Coleridge's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" tends to challenge a lot of students. Listen to this recording while following along with your text. This particular recording is helpful because it has different people reading for the different characters: the narrator, the wedding guest, and the mariner.
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Frankenstein
Below is the study guide for Frankenstein. Always look at the questions of the chapters that you have assigned for class. We will use these questions to start our class discussion or we will discuss them in small groups. I may ask you to complete some sections as homework and turn them in at class.
Percy Shelley
Percy Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" was inspired by a broken statue of Ramesses II, a Egyptian pharaoh. The statue was found in 1816 and arrived in London in 1821. Shelley and another contemporary poet, Horace Smith, had a friendly poetry writing competition on the subject. A picture of the statue is on the right.
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Here is a video from the opening scene in an episode of Breaking Bad. Bryan Cranston who plays main character Walter White reads the poem, "Ozymandias." Why do you think a poem written about a pharaoh centuries ago still relevant today?
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The Byronic Hero
Lord Byron (left), Victor Frankenstein (center portrayed by Kenneth Branagh), and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (right portrayed by Laurence Olivier) are all examples of Byronic Heroes. Go to the Discussion Board to discuss other examples of Byronic Heroes from books, movies, television shows, and today's pop culture.
Guidelines for Keats Presentations
In groups of four or five, you will teach a Keats poem of your choice to the class. Presentations should be between fifteen and twenty minutes long. All presentations must include:
Here are links to Keats poems that you may consider presenting on although you are welcome to do others:
- A reading of your poem (either read in class or a recorded version)
- The date the poem was written and/or published
- Analysis of imagery
- Analysis of poetic language and its effect in the poem
- Discussion of themes
- Explanation of historical and/or biographical influences in the poem (if applicable)
- A works cited page typed and turned in to me after the presentation
Here are links to Keats poems that you may consider presenting on although you are welcome to do others:
Creative Engagement Writing Assignment
We will discuss the Creative Engagement assignment in class on Friday, January 24th . You will have class time on Monday (January 28th) and Tuesday (January 29th) to work on the assignment in the computer lab. The final paper will be due in class (printed and double spaced) on Friday the 31st. Below, you can download the guidelines for the project.
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Last updated: 11/14/2013