Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
1798-1832
Romanticism
A movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that marked the reaction to the formalism of the preceding (Neoclassic) period, which valued reason, formal rules, and demanded order in beauty.
Romanticism
Characteristics:
Romanticism
More Characteristics:
Interest
Supernatural motifs appear throughout literature but are most prominent in the literary genre labeled "Gothic. Frankenstein belongs specifically to the Gothic genre.
Gothic literature derives its name from its similarities to the Gothic medieval cathedrals, which feature a majestic, unrestrained architectural style with often savage or grotesque ornamentation (the word "Gothic" derives from "Goth," the name of one of the barbaric Germanic tribes that invaded the Roman Empire).
The architecture evokes the sense of humanitys division between a finite, physical identity and the often terrifying and bizarre forces of the infinite. The Gothic aesthetic also embodies an ambition to transcend earthly human limitations and reach the divine.
Like
Gothic architecture, Gothic literature focuses on humanitys fascination with the grotesque, the unknown, and the frightening, inexplicable aspects of the universe and the human soul.
The
Gothic creates horror by portraying human individuals in confrontation with the overwhelming, mysterious, terrifying forces found in the cosmos and within themselves.
A motif is a
repeated theme, image, or literary device. Look for these common supernatural/Gothic motifs in Frankenstein.
The Double or Doppelganger (German for "double-goer"): Defined by Federick S. Frank as "a second self or
alternate identity, sometimes, but not always, a physical twin. The Doppelganger in demonic form can be a
reciprocal or lower bestial self or a Mr. Hyde. Gothic doppelgangers often haunt and threaten the rational psyche of the victim to whom they become attached" (435).
The double motif involves a comparison or contrast between two characters or sets of characters within a work to represent opposing forces in human nature. For example, Dr. Jekyll and his evil double Mr. Hyde are contrasted to represent the battle between the rational, intellectual self (Jekyll) and the irrational, bestial self (Hyde
The double motif suggests that humans are burdened with a dual nature, a soul forever divided.
Double characters are often paired in common relationships, such as twins, siblings, husband/wife, parent/child, hero/villain, creator/creature, etc.
Forbidden knowledge/power is often the Gothic protagonists goal. The Gothic "hero" questions the universes ambiguous nature and tries to comprehend and control those supernatural powers that mortals cannot understand. He tries to overcome human limitations and make himself into a "god."
This ambition usually leads to the heros "fall" or destruction; however, Gothic tales of ambition sometimes paradoxically evoke our admiration because they picture individuals with the courage to defy fate and cosmic forces in an attempt to transcend the mundane to the eternal and sublime.
http://www.gradesaver.com/goethes-faust/study-guide/short-summary/
Dreams/Visions: Terrible truths are often revealed to characters through dreams or visions. The hidden knowledge of the universe and of human nature emerges through dreams because, when the person sleeps, reason sleeps, and the supernatural, unreasonable world can break through. Dreams in Gothic literature express the dark, unconscious depths of the psyche that are repressed by reason truths that are too terrible to be comprehended by the conscious mind.
Signs/Omens: Reveal the intervention of cosmic forces and often represent psychological or spiritual conflict (e.g., flashes of lightning and violent storms might parallel some turmoil within a characters mind).
Famous Romantics
Literature, Art, Philosophy and Music
Romanticism in Germany
Questioned nature of the real world Events are merely based on our internal perceptions
Romanticism in Germany
Faust Character makes a pact with the devil in quest for knowledge Academic outsiders Less-gifted people didnt appreciate their brilliance
I am the eye which the Universe Beholds itself and knows itself divine; All harmony of instrument or verse, All prophecy, all medicine is mine, All light of art or nature; to my son Victory and praise in its own right belong
English Romanticism
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) Founder of English Romantic movement Witnessed revolutionary France Inspired by political idealism Bliss was it, in that dawn to be alive.
English Romanticism
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) Withdrew to the English countryside 1799 lived in Lake District (his poetry made it famous)
English Romanticism
George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824) Led an unconventional life Mysterious and gloomy heroes in his books (Byronic Hero) Very dramatic
English Romanticism
Fame spread throughout Europe Identified with Greek fight for independence Died in 1824 while training soldiers in Greece
English Romanticism
Eve of Saint Agnes Ode to a Nightingale Ode to Autumn Died at the age of 26 from tuberculosis
Goya
1808
were driven out and Goya was commissioned to remember the atrocities in Madrid
Romantic Music
Music, like painting could release emotion Built on traditions of 18th century masters
classical and romantic periods Age 32 realized deafness was incurable Continued to compose despite inability to hear
Frederic Chopin
Piano
virtuoso Dreamy, brooding, melancholic, and fiery Performed in upper-class drawing rooms
Franz Liszt
Hungarian
child prodigy pianist Greatest showman was the first rock star
Franz Liszt
Hungarian
child prodigy pianist Greatest showman was the first rock star
Victor Berlioz
Symphonie
Richard Wagner
Nationalistic
Ride
of the Valkryies