Departing away from the Enlightenment Era modes of thought and philosophies, secular values began gaining ground around the start of the Romantic period wherein the focus was shifted away from rationalism and instead rightfully placed on individual liberty and uninhibited emotion — both of which stemmed from a general appreciation for all things aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly, nature-related. Romantic writers like William Blake directly blamed Enlightenment rhetoric for downgrading cultural respect for agricultural beauty and individuality in favor of man as an emotionally artificial and soulless machine. Because the Romantic period rejected religion and alternately adopted a secular mindset and attacks on religion were not unheard of, multiple texts support the Romantic secular representation of man. For example, in “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,” voices William Blake’s vehement opposition to the interjection of religion in the vital relationship between man and man’s birthright to appreciating nature. Within Blake’s satirical book, one clear-cut subject that is unmistakable is the commemoration of the French Revolution and how it shaped a revolutionary Romantic period. In doing so, Blake acknowledges an aspect of the Romantic period’s common man who derailed from orthodoxy and instead became anthropologically focused on strengthening the connection between his soul and nature. By representing a symbol of a sweeping revolutionary time after the French Revolution, Blake’s book stands as a proper illustration of how man breaks free from institutional religion and accordingly fights for freedom without a religious backdrop or purpose and zero allusions to God. As a fundamental philosophy of Romanticism, personal feelings and individuality had to be prized above all else, lest man be susceptible to the immobile boundaries of religion.
Trent Kajikawa, Naomi Krieger, Daphne Liu, Wilson Muller
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ReplyDeleteWhat you say about the secular values showing in the Romantic Era is definitely true. Rationalism does not hold as much value as the appreciation of nature in the Romantic Era. Good job naming William Blake, a famous Romantic writer who was one of the most prominent of his era. Have you read any of his writings? It looks like you know about his book "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell". You are definitely right about how he is writing about the French Revolution.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a stark contrast to the previous era, people could attack religion in their way. It's good that you pointed this out because this was a big change from the previous era. You said, "common man who derailed from orthodoxy and instead became anthropologically focused on strengthening the connection between his soul and nature". That is so artistically and exquisitely phrased! You indeed know the era very well.
Overall, great job writing your synthesis! It really shows the vast amount of knowledge you learned about the Romantic Era and how well you write in general. Great Job!
Team 2, Per. 5
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