Importance of the French Revolution on Romantic Literature

Introduction

The French Revolution that occurred in 1789 played a huge role in influencing
Romantic writers. The principles of the French Revolution were liberty, equality, and
fraternity which created a deep and powerful impression on 19th-century poets. After a long
period of neo-classicism, a great change in poetry writing was brought about in the Romantic
period by the impact of the French Revolution.

The major romantic poets

The major poets of the Romantic period who were completely influenced by the
French Revolution are enlisted below:

• William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

• Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)
• Lord Byron (1788-1824)
• Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

Liberal thinking

The first and foremost influence of the French Revolution was liberal thinking. The
French Revolution brought a great impact on the philosophers and writers of whole Europe
and the Romantic poets were not out of that periphery. Due to liberal thinking, the Romantic
poets got the opportunity to expose
themselves to their free thought.

Change in Poetic Art

Change in poetic Art has taken place by the impact of the French Revolution on
English literature. According to the Oxford Dictionary, Revolution refers to the forcible
overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system. As the changes were
noticeable throughout all aspects of the society of Europe, poetry was not exceptional to
hold strong that trend of change. The long 125 years of neo-classical age(1660-1785)
produced poetry from satirical points of view but the Romantics could not accept that and
become interested to generate lyrical poems composing jointly "Lyrical Ballads" published
1798. Thus the French Revolution created a power to violate the strong trend of poetry
writing.

Presence of humanity and common mass

The romantics learned from the revolution how to present the human interest of all
walks of people.
The basic features of neo-classical poetry were:

1. Objectivity from an upper-class point of view

2. Harsh satire
3. Complex poetry diction
4. Complete absence of natural or urbanity
5. Rationalism and Realism.

The above traits of neo-classical poetry have helped us to determine that the poetic
art during the long 125 years was merely for the particularly upper-class people. This can be
compared with a hand mirror that reflects a fixed part of the human body not the reflection of
the whole human body.

On the other hand, romantic poetry is the poetry of common mass. As this poetry
talks about common people, it is the ever-fresh preserver of all human interest that was the
motto of the French Revolution as well.

Brave and revolutionary steps

The synonym of revolution is rebellion. French Revolution taught romantic poets to

be valiant and rebellious against neo-classical poetry. As we know that change is the law of
the universe, a change was essential for creative thinking and philosophic romantics.
Through the simple and speculative presentation of the beauty of nature. The greatest poets
of the Romantic age could understand well that aesthetic poetry must be produced to
preserve the fame of poetry and to defend it so far. Shelley was the first one to defend
poetry by composing a critical theory "The Defend of Poetry" in 1821.

Rebellion against Authority:

The French Revolution ignited a spirit of rebellion, inspiring Romantic writers to

challenge oppressive authority figures and societal norms. They championed the rights of
the individual and expressed scepticism towards institutions that imposed restrictions on
personal freedom.

Emphasis on Freedom:

The revolution's call for liberty and equality deeply resonated with Romantic writers.
They celebrated personal freedom and encouraged individuals to break free from the
shackles of tradition and societal expectations. Romantic literature became a platform for
exploring and expressing one's emotions and desires without restraint.

Revival of Nationalism:

The French Revolution sparked a renewed sense of national pride and identity.
Romantic writers tapped into this sentiment by incorporating national history, folklore, and
traditions into their works. Through their literature, they celebrated their country's cultural
heritage and expressed a sense of patriotism.
Exaltation of Nature:

The turbulent events of the revolution led Romantic writers to find solace and
inspiration in nature. They viewed the natural world as a sanctuary that offered peace,
beauty, and freedom. Romantic literature vividly depicted the power and serenity of nature,
serving as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the environment.

Expression of Passionate Emotions:

The intense emotions unleashed by the French Revolution found their way into
Romantic literature. Writers like Wordsworth and Byron infused their works with passionate
and turbulent emotions, exploring the depths of human experience. These emotional
portrayals made Romantic literature highly relatable and captivating.

Exploration of Individualism:

The French Revolution's emphasis on individual rights influenced Romantic writers to

delve deeply into the inner lives of their characters. They celebrated the uniqueness of every
individual and focused on their thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Romantic literature
celebrated the power of the individual imagination and highlighted the importance of
personal expression.

Critique of Industrialization:

The social and economic changes brought about by the revolution, as well as the rise
of industrialization, drew criticism from Romantic writers. They lamented the loss of natural
beauty, the dehumanizing effects of mechanization, and the alienation of individuals in urban
environments. Romantic literature served as a voice against the negative consequences of
progress and industrialization.

Historical Consciousness:

The French Revolution sparked an interest in history and its impact on the present.
Romantic writers drew inspiration from historical periods and figures, weaving historical
narratives into their works. By reflecting on the lessons of the revolution and other historical
events, they emphasized the importance of learning from the past.

Quest for Utopia:

The utopian ideals embraced by the French Revolution influenced Romantic writers'
visions of an ideal society. They imagined a world free from social inequality, oppression,
and constraints. Romantic literature became a platform to explore and articulate their
yearning for a more just and perfect future.
Legacy of Romanticism:

The impact of the French Revolution on Romantic literature continued long after the
revolution itself. The themes, styles, and values of Romanticism shaped literature and artistic
movements throughout the 19th century and beyond. Romanticism's enduring legacy serves
as a testament to the profound influence of historical events on artistic expression.

Conclusion

Besides, according to Terry Eagleton, Romantics were the first complete modernist.
He asserts that the 18th century was the entrance of the rising of English and the 19th
century was the complete time-span for the rise of English. So it crystal-like clear that if there
was no French Revolution, there was no galaxy of creative genius.