MAJOR GENRE OF ROMANTIC AGE

The major genre of the Romantic age was

poetry. Romantic poets emphasized
emotion, imagination, and nature as central
themes. They often used vivid imagery,
symbolism, and unconventional forms to
express their feelings and ideas. While
poetry was dominant, other genres like the
novel, drama, and music also flourished
during this period, often reflecting similar
Romantic ideals.

MAJOR WRITERS OF ROMANTIC AGE

1.William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
was one of the most prominent figures in
English literature and a key figure in the
Romantic movement. Born in Cockermouth,
Cumberland, in the Lake District of England,
Wordsworth was deeply influenced by the
natural beauty of his surroundings, which
would later become a central theme in his
poetry. He attended Hawkshead Grammar
School and later studied at St. John’s
College, Cambridge. During his lifetime, he
traveled extensively, including a formative
visit to France during the early days of the
French Revolution, which initially inspired his
political views.
Wordsworth’s poetry is best known for its
emphasis on nature, the rural landscape,
and the lives of ordinary people. He believed
in the transformative power of nature and
saw it as a source of spiritual renewal. His
work often explores the relationship
between the individual and the natural
world, portraying nature as a living force
that can deeply affect the human spirit.

IMPORTANT WORKS OF WORDSWORTH;

1.”Lyrical Ballads” (1798): Co-
authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
this collection is often considered the
manifesto of the Romantic movement. It
includes some of Wordsworth’s most
famous poems, such as “Tintern Abbey”
and “Lines Written in Early Spring.” The
preface to the second edition (1800) is
particularly important for outlining
Wordsworth’s poetic philosophy,
 emphasizing the use of everyday
language and themes.
2.”The Prelude” (1850): This
autobiographical poem, published
posthumously, is considered
Wordsworth’s magnum opus. It traces
the development of the poet’s mind and
his growing awareness of the power of
nature. The poem is also notable for its
exploration of memory and imagination.
3.”Ode: Intimations of Immortality
from Early Childhood” (1807): This
ode reflects on the loss of childhood
innocence and the enduring connection
between the soul and nature. It is one of
Wordsworth’s most profound meditations
on the human experience.
4.”I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”
(1807): Often referred to as “Daffodils,”
this poem is one of Wordsworth’s most
famous and captures the poet’s deep
appreciation for nature’s beauty.

THEMES OF WORDSWORTH’S POETRY:

Wordsworth’s poetry is characterized by
several recurring themes:
Nature: For Wordsworth, nature was a
source of inspiration, comfort, and
wisdom. He often depicted it as a
nurturing and moral force, capable of
guiding humanity.

Memory and Imagination:

Wordsworth believed that memories,
especially those related to nature, had a
profound impact on the human psyche.
His poetry often explores the ways in
which past experiences shape the
present.

The Common Man: Wordsworth sought

to elevate the lives of ordinary people,
finding beauty and dignity in their
experiences. He often used simple,
direct language to reflect this focus.

Childhood: Wordsworth idealized

childhood as a time of innocence and a
deep connection with nature. He
 believed that the purity and insight of
childhood were lost with the onset of
adulthood but could be rekindled
through memory and reflection.

STYLE OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH’S

POETRY:
Wordsworth’s style is marked by its
simplicity and clarity. He rejected the
ornate and artificial diction of much 18th-
century poetry, instead advocating for the
use of “the real language of men.” His
verse is often conversational, with a focus
on conveying deep emotional experiences in
a straightforward manner. He favored the
use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic
pentameter) and used it effectively to
capture the rhythms of natural speech.

2.Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)

was an influential English poet, critic, and
philosopher, who, alongside William
Wordsworth, played a central role in the
Romantic movement. Coleridge was born in
Ottery St Mary, Devon, England, and was
the youngest of ten children. His early life
was marked by a voracious appetite for
reading and a love for the classics, which he
studied at Christ’s Hospital school in
London. Later, he attended Jesus College,
Cambridge, though he never completed his
degree.
Coleridge was a complex figure, known for
his brilliant mind as well as his struggles
with poor health, depression, and an
addiction to opium, which he initially took
for medical reasons. Despite these
challenges, he made significant
contributions to English literature,
philosophy, and criticism.

IMPORTANT WORKS OF S.T.COLERIDGE:

1.”The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
(1798): This is perhaps Coleridge’s most
famous poem, included in the collection
“Lyrical Ballads,” which he co-authored
with Wordsworth. The poem tells the
story of a mariner who brings a curse
upon himself and his shipmates by killing
an albatross. It is noted for its vivid
imagery, supernatural elements, and
exploration of guilt, redemption, and the
natural world.

2.”Kubla Khan” (1816): Written after

an opium-influenced dream, “Kubla
Khan” is one of Coleridge’s most
enigmatic and celebrated works. The
poem describes the creation of a
magnificent palace by the Mongol
emperor Kubla Khan and is famous for its
rich imagery and the idea of the power
of imagination.

3.”Christabel” (1816): An unfinished

narrative poem, “Christabel” is a gothic
work that tells the story of the innocent
Christabel and her encounter with the
mysterious Geraldine. The poem is
notable for its haunting atmosphere,
supernatural elements, and irregular
meter.
 4.”Biographia Literaria” (1817): This
work is a combination of autobiography,
literary criticism, and philosophy. In it,
Coleridge discusses his views on poetry
and criticism, including his distinction
between imagination and fancy, and
provides insights into his own creative
process.

THEMES OF S.T.COLERIDGE POETRY:

Coleridge’s poetry and prose explore a
range of themes, many of which were
central to the Romantic movement:
The Supernatural: Coleridge was
fascinated by the supernatural and the
mysterious. His works often feature
ghosts, curses, and otherworldly
experiences, blending the real with the
fantastical.

Imagination and Creativity: Coleridge

believed in the power of the imagination
as a creative force. He saw imagination
as a means of transcending reality,
 allowing the poet to connect with deeper
truths.

Nature and the Sublime: Like

Wordsworth, Coleridge had a profound
respect for nature, but his portrayal of it
often had a darker, more mysterious
quality. He explored the sublime, the
idea of awe-inspiring beauty mixed with
terror.

Guilt and Redemption: Themes of

sin, guilt, and the possibility of redemption
recur in Coleridge’s work, particularly in
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” where
the mariner’s journey is one of moral and
spiritual reckoning.

Philosophical and Theological

Inquiry: Coleridge was deeply
interested in philosophy and theology,
which is reflected in his writings. He
grappled with issues such as the nature
 of the self, free will, and the existence of
God.

STYLE OF S.T.COLERIDGE POETRY:

Coleridge’s style is marked by its use of
rich, evocative language and intricate
metrical forms. He often employed a
conversational tone, similar to
Wordsworth, but with a greater emphasis
on the musicality and rhythm of his
verse. His use of the supernatural,
combined with his skillful handling of
imagery and symbolism, created an
atmosphere of mystery and wonder in his
poetry.

Coleridge was also a master of the ballad

form, as seen in “The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner,” where he used traditional ballad
meters to tell a complex, layered story. His
prose, particularly in “Biographia Literaria,”
is dense and intellectual, reflecting his deep
engagement with philosophical and literary
ideas.
3.William Blake (1757–1827)
was a visionary English poet, painter, and
printmaker who is regarded as one of the
most influential figures in the Romantic
movement. Though he was largely
unrecognized during his lifetime, Blake’s
work is now celebrated for its originality,
intensity, and spiritual depth. His creations,
which often blend text and image, reflect his
unique worldview and his rebellion against
the conventional thinking of his time.

NOTABLE WORKS OF WILLIAM BLAKE;

1.Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs
of Experience (1794):
These two collections are among Blake’s
most famous works, often published
together as ”Songs of Innocence and
Experience: Shewing the Two Contrary
States of the Human Soul.”
Songs of Innocence presents a vision of
the world through the eyes of a child,
characterized by simplicity, purity, and
naivety.
Songs of Experience offers a contrasting
view, depicting a world marked by suffering,
corruption, and the loss of innocence.
Notable poems from these collections
include “The Lamb,” “The Tyger,” “The
Chimney Sweeper,” and “The Clod and the
Pebble.”

2.The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

(1790–1793):
- This is a prose work that blends poetry
and aphorisms with philosophical discourse.
It challenges traditional notions of good and
evil, suggesting that both are necessary and
intertwined aspects of existence.
The work is famous for the proverb “The
road of excess leads to the palace of
wisdom” and the assertion that “Without
Contraries is no progression.”
3.The Book of Thel (1789):
This poem explores themes of innocence,
experience, and mortality. It tells the story
of Thel, a young, innocent shepherdess who
grapples with the transience of life and the
inevitability of death.

4.Milton: A Poem in Two Books (1804–

1811):
This epic poem reflects Blake’s complex,
personal mythology. It follows the spirit of
the poet John Milton as he returns to earth
to correct his earlier errors, particularly
those in Paradise Lost.
It includes the famous lines: “And did those
feet in ancient time / Walk upon England’s
mountains green?” which would later
become the hymn “Jerusalem.”

5.Jerusalem: The Emanation of the

Giant Albion (1804–1820):
Considered one of Blake’s most ambitious
works, Jerusalem explores his intricate
mythology and vision of England as a fallen
world in need of redemption. The poem
blends political, spiritual, and prophetic
themes.

STYLE OF WILLIAM BLAKE;

Symbolism and Allegory: Blake’s work is
rich with symbolism, often using allegorical
figures and mythical narratives to explore
deep philosophical and spiritual concepts.

Illuminated Printing: Blake developed a

unique method of printing his books, which
he called “illuminated printing.” This
technique involved etching both text and
illustrations onto copper plates, which were
then printed and hand-colored. This allowed
Blake to integrate visual art with poetry in a
seamless, deeply personal way.

Visionary and Mystical: Blake’s style is

characterized by its visionary quality. He
often claimed to see visions and receive
inspiration directly from spiritual sources.
His work reflects a deep engagement with
the unseen and the mystical.
Use of Simple Language: Despite the
complexity of his themes, Blake often
employed simple, direct language,
especially in Songs of Innocence. This
simplicity enhances the emotional and
spiritual impact of his poetry.

THEMES IN WILLIAM BLAKE’S POETRY;

1.Innocence and Experience:
Blake’s exploration of these two states of
the human soul is central to his work. He
contrasts the purity and simplicity of
innocence with the corruption and
disillusionment of experience.
His poetry often delves into the loss of
innocence and the harsh realities of life,
while also exploring the possibility of
redemption and spiritual awakening.

2.Good and Evil:

 Blake challenged traditional dichotomies of
good and evil. In works like The Marriage of
Heaven and Hell, he argues that both are
necessary and that the dynamic between
them drives human creativity and progress.
He often depicted the struggle between
divine and demonic forces, both within the
individual and in the broader world.

3.Rebellion Against Authority:

A recurrent theme in Blake’s work is his
opposition to all forms of authority and
oppression, whether religious, political, or
social. He was a fierce critic of the
established Church, the government, and
the industrial society that he saw as
dehumanizing.
His works often champion the power of the
individual imagination and spirit against the
constraints of institutional power.

4.Spiritual Vision and Prophecy:

Blake saw himself as a prophet, and his
works are filled with visionary experiences
and prophetic messages. He believed that
true understanding comes from spiritual
insight rather than reason or empirical
observation.
His poems and paintings are often
apocalyptic, foreseeing a new, spiritual era
that would replace the corrupt, materialistic
world of his time.

5.Nature of Reality and Perception:

Blake explored the idea that reality is
shaped by perception. He believed that the
material world was not the only reality and
that through imagination and spiritual
vision, one could access deeper truths.

4.Robert Southey(1774–1843)
was an English poet, historian, biographer,
and essayist, who is often associated with
the Romantic movement. Although he is less
famous today than his contemporaries
William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor
Coleridge, Southey was a major literary
figure during his lifetime and was appointed
Poet Laureate of England in 1813, a position
he held until his death.

IMPORTANT WORKS OF ROBERT

SOUTHY;
1.”Joan of Arc” (1796): This was
Southey’s first major poem, an epic
about the life of the French heroine Joan
of Arc. Although it reflects his youthful
enthusiasm for revolutionary ideals, it is
also noted for its historical narrative and
romanticized view of the past.
2.”Thalaba the Destroyer” (1801)
3.”The Curse of Kehama” (1810)
4.”Roderick, the Last of the Goths”
(1814)
5.”The Life of Nelson” (1813)
6.”The Life of Wesley” (1820)
THEMES OF ROBERT SOUTHY POETRY;
Southey’s work is characterized by a diverse
range of themes:
Historical and Heroic Narratives: Many
of Southey’s poems and biographies focus
on historical figures and events, often
portraying them in a heroic light. He was
fascinated by the past and sought to bring it
alive for contemporary readers.
Exoticism and the Supernatural: Like
other Romantic poets, Southey was drawn to
the exotic and the supernatural. His
narrative poems often feature fantastical
elements and are set in distant, often
imagined, lands.

Patriotism and National Identity: As

Poet Laureate, Southey’s work often
reflected a strong sense of patriotism. He
celebrated British history and national
heroes, contributing to the shaping of a
British national identity in the 19th century.
Moral and Religious Reflection:
Southey’s later work, particularly his
biographies, reflects his interest in moral
and religious themes. He was deeply
concerned with the ethical dimensions of his
subjects’ lives and sought to draw moral
lessons from history.

STYLE OF ROBERT SOUTHY’S POETRY

Southey’s style is often described as formal
and polished, with a strong narrative drive.
His poetry, especially his epics, is known for
its vivid imagery, rhythmic experimentation,
and the use of exotic settings. Unlike
Wordsworth and Coleridge, who often
focused on the inner life and the natural
world, Southey’s work is more outward-
looking, concerned with historical events,
grand narratives, and the portrayal of
legendary figures.

In his prose, particularly his biographies,

Southey wrote with clarity and precision,
making complex subjects accessible to a
wide readership. His biographical works are
often praised for their thorough research
and engaging storytelling.

5.Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)

was a Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and
biographer, best known for popularizing the
historical novel. He is one of the most
influential writers of the 19th century and
played a significant role in shaping the
Romantic movement, especially in terms of
historical fiction. Scott’s work has had a
lasting impact on literature, and his
influence can be seen in the development of
the modern novel.
Early Life and Career
Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh,
Scotland, into a well-respected family. He
was the ninth child of a solicitor and grew up
in a household that valued literature and
education. As a child, Scott contracted polio,
which left him with a permanent limp, but
this did not prevent him from leading an
active life. He was an avid reader from a
young age and had a particular interest in
Scottish history and folklore.
Scott attended the University of Edinburgh
and later trained as a lawyer, eventually
becoming a successful advocate. However,
his passion for literature led him to pursue
writing, first as a poet and later as a
novelist. His early work consisted of
translating German romantic ballads and
writing his own poetry, which gained him
recognition and success.

IMPORTANT WORKS OF SIR WALTER

SCOTT;

**”1.”The Lay of the Last Minstrel”

(1805)**:)

1. **”Marmion” (1808)** and **”The

Lady of the Lake” (1810)**:
 **”2.”Marmion” (1808)** and **”The
Lady of the Lake” (1810)
2. 3.”Waverley” (1814)**:
)
3. **”4.”Rob Roy” (1817)**:

)
4. **”Ivanhoe” (1820)**:

**”The Heart of Midlothian” (1818)**: Set

in 18th-century Edinburgh, this novel is
considered one of Scott’s finest works. It
tells the story of Jeanie Deans, a young
woman who embarks on a journey to
London to seek a pardon for her sister,
who has been wrongfully accused of
murder. The novel explores themes of
justice, loyalty, and the power of
individual moral integrity.
5.”Ivanhoe” (1820)
6.”The Heart of Midlothian” (1818)

### Themes
THEMES OF HIS WORKS;
Scott’s work is characterized by several
recurring themes:

Historical Authenticity: Scott is credited

with pioneering the historical novel genre.
His novels are known for their detailed and
accurate depictions of historical events,
settings, and characters. He meticulously
researched the periods he wrote about,
blending fact with fiction to create
compelling narratives.

National Identity and Patriotism: Scott’s

work often explores themes of national
identity, particularly in relation to Scotland.
He played a key role in shaping the modern
perception of Scottish history and culture,
and his novels often depict the conflicts and
reconciliations between different cultures
and social classes.
Romanticism and the Sublime: As a
Romantic writer, Scott’s work often
emphasizes the emotional and spiritual
experiences of his characters, particularly in
relation to nature and historical events. His
descriptions of the Scottish landscape, in
particular, are vivid and imbued with a
sense of the sublime.
Chivalry and Honor: Many of Scott’s
novels, especially those set in medieval
times, explore the concepts of chivalry,
honor, and loyalty. His characters often face
moral dilemmas that require them to
balance personal desires with a sense of
duty and honor.
Social Change and Conflict: Scott’s
novels frequently depict periods of social
upheaval, such as the Jacobite uprisings, the
Norman conquest of England, or the
Reformation. He examines how individuals
and societies navigate these conflicts and
the impact of historical change on everyday
life.

WRITING STYLE OF WALTER SCOTT;

Walter Scott’s narrative style is distinctive
for its use of historical detail, rich
descriptions, and complex characterizations.
His novels are known for their panoramic
scope, with multiple subplots and a wide
range of characters representing different
social classes and perspectives. Scott often
employed a third-person omniscient
narrator, which allowed him to explore the
thoughts and motivations of various
characters while providing commentary on
the historical context.
Scott’s language is formal and sometimes
archaic, reflecting the historical periods he
wrote about. His use of dialogue, particularly
in depicting Scottish dialects, adds
authenticity to his characters and settings.
While his plots are often intricate and filled
with action, Scott also focused on the inner
lives of his characters, exploring their
psychological and emotional experiences.

LAGACY OF SIR WALTER SCOTT;

Sir Walter Scott’s influence on literature is
immense. He is often credited with inventing
the historical novel as a genre, and his
works set a standard for historical fiction
that continues to inspire writers today. His
portrayal of Scotland, both its history and its
landscape, helped shape the modern
cultural identity of the nation and
contributed to the Romantic movement’s
fascination with the past.
Scott’s novels were widely read and
translated during his lifetime, and they
remain popular in many parts of the world.
His ability to blend historical accuracy with
imaginative storytelling has made his work
enduringly relevant. Scott’s impact extends
beyond literature; his romanticized vision of
history influenced everything from painting
and architecture to national identities and
the way history itself is studied and
remembered.