The Difference Between Romanticism And Romanticism With A Capital 'R'
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Difference Between Romanticism And Romanticism With A Capital 'R'

See into the life of things.

13902
The Difference Between Romanticism And Romanticism With A Capital 'R'
Clip Super

You're probably wondering what I mean when I say there is a difference between romanticism and Romanticism with a capital "R." The "R" is capitalized because I am referring to the literary period that truly defines what romanticism actually is and what kinds of things really have the power to make us feel emotions to our full potential. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of romanticism, but I LOVE Romanticism.

So, first off, by Merriam Webster dictionary definition...

Romanticism is "a style of art, literature, etc., during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries that emphasized the imagination and emotions."

and

romanticism is "the quality or state of being impractical or unrealistic".

As cynical as this definition may seem, it must be pretty accurate because the idea that romanticism is all about love is definitely impractical. Acts of romanticism: going out to nice dinners, buying flowers for your girlfriend- these are all kinda of material notions.

Romanticism with a capital "R" is so much more than that.

The German poet Friedrich Schlegel is given credit for first using the term romantic to describe literature, and defined it as "literature depicting emotional matter in an imaginative form", which is as accurate a definition as could be accomplished.

It puts an emphasis on imagination and emotions. It is much deeper than materialism. Romanticism outlines the power that the natural world and the imagination have to evoke emotion in us. And personally, I believe that nature and my own imagination have a stronger ability to make me vulnerable than a romantic gesture from another person would. Romanticism puts a strong emphasis on individualism, spontaneity and freedom from rules, which also completely contradicts our modern definition of romanticism having to do with being emotionally involved with another person.

So finally, what I'm trying to say is rather than relying on our modern understanding of what romanticism is, use nature, imagination, and individualism to make you feel something! That's some real Romanticism right there.



"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."

-William Wordsworth


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57611
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37119
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958842
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191507
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments