Characteristics of Romanticism

Interest in the common man and childhood

Romantics believed in the natural goodness of
humans which is hindered by the urban life of
civilization. They believed that the savage is noble,
childhood is good and the emotions inspired by
both beliefs causes the heart to soar.


Strong senses,emotions, and feelings

Romantics believed that knowledge is gained
through intuition rather than deduction. This is
best summed up by Wordsworth who stated that
“all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of
powerful feelings.”

Awe of nature

Romantics stressed the awe of nature in art and
language and the experience of sublimity through
a connection with nature. Romantics rejected the
rationalization of nature by the previous thinkers
of the Enlightenment period.


Celebration of the individual

Romantics often elevated the achievements of the
misunderstood, heroic individual outcast.

Importance of imagination

Romantics legitimized the individual imagination as
a critical authority.