Romanticism in literature is characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, nature, and imagination. Unlike the preceding Neoclassical movement, which valued reason, order, and restraint, Romanticism celebrated spontaneity, passion, and the sublime. Romantic writers often focused on the individual’s experience and the expression of personal feelings, emphasizing intuition over rationality.

Nature played a central role in Romantic literature, often depicted as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge highlighted the sublime aspects of nature, portraying it as a powerful and sometimes overwhelming force.

Imagination was also crucial to Romanticism, with writers exploring the fantastical and the supernatural. This was a shift from the Neoclassical focus on classical ideals, harmony, and societal norms. Romantic literature often featured visionary and dream-like qualities, as seen in the works of poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Furthermore, Romanticism placed a strong emphasis on the past, particularly the medieval era, drawing inspiration from folklore, myths, and legends. This contrasted with the Neoclassical admiration for ancient Greek and Roman cultures and their emphasis on contemporary societal improvement.

Overall, Romanticism marked a departure from the Neoclassical ideals of order and rationality, embracing emotion, nature, and individual creativity.