The Enlightenment Vs Romanticism
Enlightenment vs Romanticism Romanticism was a rebellion that constructed itself in opposition to the previous Enlightenment period. For philosophers and artists during the Enlightenment period life was defined by logic and reason. During the Romantic movement, the individual self as well as turning to nature as an explanation for life was the prime focus. Both the Enlightenment and Romantic periods gave way to some of history’s most influential work in literature, art, poetry, and philosophy.
Often referred to as the “Age of Reason”, the Enlightenment period occurred during the “long 18th century” from the year 1685 to 1815. During this time the meaning of politics in Europe, as well as the central ideas of science, communications, and philosophy …show more content…
Vast differences can be observed through the authors of each time. Writers of the Enlightenment period are commonly referred to as “Enlightenment Writers” and authors of the Romantic period are referred to as “Romantics”. Literature acquired from each age shows the contrast in values amongst the population during each particular time. During the Enlightenment days reason and rationalism were two of the prime ideals of the growing generation. This meant a focus on the logical reasoning of facts, and insinuated that the belief in the supernatural was mere superstition. On the opposite side of the spectrum is the Romantic belief in strong senses, emotions, and feelings. Romantics thought that knowledge is best gained through intuition rather than through reasoning and deduction. Society and class also appeared as a prominent topic during the 18th century. As the Enlightenment period began to transition to the Romantic focus started to shift from the upper class to a new found interest in the poor. As stated by Thomas Grey “Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,/ Their homely joys, and destiny obscure;/ Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile/ The short and simple annals of the poor” (“Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”, 29-32). Deism was a central focus during the Enlightenment period meaning the general population had a
Often referred to as the “Age of Reason”, the Enlightenment period occurred during the “long 18th century” from the year 1685 to 1815. During this time the meaning of politics in Europe, as well as the central ideas of science, communications, and philosophy …show more content…
Vast differences can be observed through the authors of each time. Writers of the Enlightenment period are commonly referred to as “Enlightenment Writers” and authors of the Romantic period are referred to as “Romantics”. Literature acquired from each age shows the contrast in values amongst the population during each particular time. During the Enlightenment days reason and rationalism were two of the prime ideals of the growing generation. This meant a focus on the logical reasoning of facts, and insinuated that the belief in the supernatural was mere superstition. On the opposite side of the spectrum is the Romantic belief in strong senses, emotions, and feelings. Romantics thought that knowledge is best gained through intuition rather than through reasoning and deduction. Society and class also appeared as a prominent topic during the 18th century. As the Enlightenment period began to transition to the Romantic focus started to shift from the upper class to a new found interest in the poor. As stated by Thomas Grey “Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,/ Their homely joys, and destiny obscure;/ Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile/ The short and simple annals of the poor” (“Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”, 29-32). Deism was a central focus during the Enlightenment period meaning the general population had a