Romantic Era - Synthesis Asher P.1. Team 8.

The Romantic Era was thought to be a time period in history which centered on the freedom on confinement from a secular faith or belief. This particular era allowed people with different interests and opinions to explore the vast components that are comprised in the music and arts. The heavy stress on the secularity of the Romantic Era allowed artists – whether of paintings or of writings – to add a surprise element of imagination and creation to their works. By doing so, the strict guidelines on faith and religion became lifted and blurred, guiding the transition into the Romantic Era. One particular and apparent example of this shift from confinement can be seen in poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s well-known poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” written to showcase the perpetual shift from the importance of religion to the significance of self-expression, as well as the value of nature. In this poem, there is a clear importance placed on the individual, the Ancient Mariner, who is the sole focus of this poem. This poem centers on the narrative of his story of sailing his ship, and entering a long journey into the ocean. Elements of Romanticism are apparent as the beauty and dangers in nature as a whole are shown. In a passage of this poem the ship’s crew is tormented by ghostly apparitions, who are playing for the crew members souls. Due to the death of all the crew members, with the exception of the Mariner, there is evidence of great detachment from the traditional views on death, faith wise. Francisco de Goya is yet another artist, whose artwork epitomizes and defines the Romantic Era. His painting, The Third of May, has evidence of secularity with the vivid use of color and detail. The stark contrast of the black background with that of the horrific war scene explains how nature – especially human nature – can be as unpredictable and wild as nature in the world. The dark and gloomy sky looming overhead showcases the lack of a spiritual faith, and instead creates the impression of a war-ravaged society – drowning in the ferociousness of human nature. Ultimately, the Romantic Era created a drastic change from the everyday normal confined religious beliefs, and transformed society into adapting to self-expression and individuality. Society and people became more secular, and faith became a method of emotional expression.

~Jessie Yen, Ruhi Sharma, Sidney Gerst, Rachel Clauss~