Here's why:
* Emphasis on Emotion and Subjectivity: Romanticism celebrated the individual and their feelings. They believed that emotions, intuition, and imagination were powerful forces that guided human experience.
* Nature and the Sublime: Romantics saw nature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of the divine. They were captivated by the beauty and power of the natural world, which often evoked strong emotions.
* Individualism and Rebellion: Romantics often challenged traditional societal norms and authority figures. They championed individual freedom and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, even if it went against established conventions.
* Focus on the Irrational: Romantics explored the darker aspects of human nature and the power of the unconscious. They were drawn to the mysterious, the supernatural, and the irrational.
Key Romantic Writers:
* William Wordsworth
* Samuel Taylor Coleridge
* John Keats
* Mary Shelley
* Lord Byron
Examples of Romantic Literature:
* "Tintern Abbey" by William Wordsworth: This poem explores the speaker's emotional connection to nature.
* "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: This poem uses vivid imagery and supernatural elements to create a haunting and emotionally charged experience.
* "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley: This novel explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing God.
Note: While Romanticism emphasized emotion and imagination, it did not completely reject reason. Instead, it sought to balance reason with the power of the imagination.