Exploring the Differences: A Comparative Study of the Romantic Age and the Victorian Age in English Literature

 The Romantic Age and the Victorian Age are two distinct periods in English literature, with unique characteristics and themes that set them apart. While both periods are known for their contributions to the literary world, they have several significant differences that make them worth exploring.

The Romantic Age, also known as the Romantic Era, was a literary movement that began in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. The Romantic poets, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, wrote about nature, emotion, and individualism. They believed in the power of imagination and rejected the strictures of reason and formality that characterized the literature of the preceding age.

On the other hand, the Victorian Age, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, was a period of great social and economic change in England. The literature of this period reflected the values and beliefs of the society, with a strong emphasis on morality, religion, and social responsibility. The Victorian writers, such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters, wrote about the lives and struggles of the working class and the role of women in society. They also wrote about the importance of family, education, and respectability.

One of the key differences between the Romantic Age and the Victorian Age is their approach to emotion. The Romantic poets celebrated emotions, such as love, longing, and sorrow, as a natural and essential part of human experience. They believed that emotions could provide a deeper understanding of the world and inspire creativity. On the other hand, the Victorians believed that emotions should be controlled and regulated, and that excessive displays of emotion were inappropriate and even shameful.

Another important difference is the role of nature in literature. The Romantic poets saw nature as a source of inspiration and a symbol of the divine, while the Victorians saw it as a source of moral lessons and a reflection of human society. The Romantic poets wrote about the beauty and power of nature, while the Victorians wrote about the dangers and challenges of nature.

In conclusion, the Romantic Age and the Victorian Age are two distinct periods in English literature, with unique characteristics and themes that set them apart. The Romantic poets celebrated emotions and nature, while the Victorians emphasized morality, religion, and social responsibility. Both periods have made important contributions to the literary world and continue to be studied and admired today.

To Sum up, if you are interested in exploring the unique characteristics of romantic age and Victorian age, you can read the works of Romantic poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, and Percy Bysshe Shelley and Victorian writers like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters.

Critical Note S.T. Coleridge as a Romantic poet

 Samuel Taylor Coleridge was one of the most influential British Romantic poets of all time. He wrote a countless number of classic poems and works that are still widely deemed important to this day, making him an exemplary model for other contemporary writers.

Coleridge’s unique writing style set him apart from others in his own time period; he had a penchant for incorporating elements native only to outlying countries such as exotic mythology, foreign philosophy and literature—all aspects which deviated from traditional protocols at the time . His language too has been described be modern critics alternatively fluid yet highly descriptive, mesmerizing readers with flowery romanticism rather than technicality and formality commonly associated poetry during the age.. This eschewing of convention is perhaps what motivates so many people today to continue exploring The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner despite its ancient roots: it legitimately paints imagery within our minds beyond simply being read off paper or memorized verbatim like much older literary texts before it.

From human fear & grief we sense envy his dedication even when creating lyrical ballads on foolish wagers given by carefree friends – often reflecting biblical plagues as metaphors while using nature & folktales justly picked up through untrained eyes open wide! While these present who he sublimely was highlights humble themes folks may face similarily now-a -days whether incarcerated swordsmen laments or rising dead raptures pleasing listeners each way In many respects his timelessness does preserve those memories sent… Whilst imagination moves ours quite more profoundly shared piers drown us nigh held firmly past eternity's threshold defiant throughout universe far flung----much due Colridge expressing tyrants masterful courage along fatefully life swells soaring largely Even middle ages differently designed gardens musically sung grow outright secrets penned supremely roars blending fragile edge between brave kings Divine Right even distant heavens' magical hides featuring glorious insight unseen any watchful eye ever discovered lost odes sealed long ago await awaited seekers come hereafter seize leading times cheery waves anew offers diverse ultimate panoramas fully defying pallid written histories reigned near certain collapsing tunnels universal gleaners tap knowledge deep greater reasons they stand why remarkable poet ST Colridge striding diffently deserved memorial kept alive centuries later here---Eyes truly flooding gentle tears upon recollecting every Epic story heard grown very tall indeed hintetnally Never forgotten sir Samuel blesses beloved rhapsodies chosen remain instant Classical Favorites absolute best Moments singing standing ovation thunderclapping grandeur lasting effect though…… That Gentleman shall legacy live always daily masterpiece sublime elegance sustained finds breathtaking lovers adore well done English romantics everywhere i weep fond fans seek living spirit beseechings pass….

Note on William Wordsworth as a Romantic Critic in English literature

  William Wordsworth, a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, was also a noted literary critic. He believed that poetry should be simple and express the emotions and thoughts of common people. He rejected the highly structured and artificial forms of poetry popular in his time, and instead championed a style that was natural and based on personal experience.

In his famous work, "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1798), Wordsworth laid out his literary philosophy. He argued that poetry should be written in the language of the common man, rather than in the elevated and artificial language of the poets of his time. This emphasis on simplicity and naturalness was a key aspect of Wordsworth's romanticism. He believed that poetry should be a reflection of the natural world and the emotions of the individual.

Wordsworth also believed that poetry should be rooted in personal experience. He believed that a poet should draw on their own emotions and observations, rather than trying to imitate the work of others. This emphasis on originality and authenticity was another key aspect of Wordsworth's romanticism.

In addition to his literary philosophy, Wordsworth was also a noted critic of the literary establishment of his time. He rejected the neoclassical conventions of his time and instead championed a more natural and emotional style of poetry. This critique of the literary establishment was another important aspect of Wordsworth's romanticism.

In conclusion, William Wordsworth was a prominent literary figure of the Romantic movement and his work as a poet and critic had a significant influence on the literary world of his time. His emphasis on simplicity, naturalness, originality, and authenticity, as well as his critique of the literary establishment, were all key aspects of his romanticism.