Romantic Poets

1. Emphasis on Emotion and Individualism:
   • Romantic poets prioritized personal emotion and individual experience.
   • Example: William Wordsworth’s “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” emphasizes introspection and personal memory.
2. Nature as a Central Theme:
   • Nature was seen as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal.
   • Example: Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” explores nature’s power and mystery.
3. Imagination and Creativity:
   • The Romantic period celebrated the imagination as a path to transcendent truths.
   • Example: John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” delves into imaginative escapism.
4. Rebellion Against Industrialization:
   • Poets often critiqued the encroaching industrial society and its impact on human life and nature.
   • Example: William Blake’s “London” critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.
5. Medievalism and the Supernatural:
   • There was a fascination with medieval themes, folklore, and the supernatural.
   • Example: Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” incorporates medieval legends and chivalry.
6. Focus on the Common Man:
   • Romantic poets often wrote about everyday people and their experiences.
   • Example: Robert Burns’ “To a Mouse” highlights the plight of a simple farmer.
7. Innovative Forms and Language:
   • Poets experimented with new forms and used everyday language to make poetry accessible.
   • Example: Wordsworth’s “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” advocates for the use of common speech in poetry.

Romantic poets embraced emotional depth, nature, imagination, and rebellion against societal norms, producing works that continue to resonate with readers today.