美文学简史笔记.doc

Chapter Three American Romanticism （The most important period in the history of American literature. It stretches from the end of the 18th C throughout the outbreak of the Civil War.） I.Romanticism in England 1.It prevailed in England during the period (1798-1832). There are two schools of Romanticists: (1) passive or escapist These writers protested against capitalist development by turning to the feudal past, turning to nature for protection. (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Southey) (2) active. They held out an ideal of a future society free from oppression and exploitation. (Byron, Shelly, Keats) 2. Their writings are filled with strong-willed heroes, terrible events, tragic situation, powerful conflicting passion and exotic events. Sometimes they resort to symbolic methods, and pay great attention to spiritual and emotional life of man. Nature often personified, also plays an important role. The creative imagination occupied the center of romantic views of arts. II. American Romanticism Social Background political: After American Revolution, America developed into a political, economic and cultural independence. Democracy and equality became the ideals of the new nation. Complete changes came about in the political life of the country. Economic: Industrialism spread widely and fast. A large number of immigrants arrived. All these produced an economic boom. Both the change in political and the economic development brought about a sense of optimism and hope. Characteristics (1). Derivative or imitative. Some of the American Romantic writings were modeled on English and European works. The Romantic Movement proved to be a decisive influence. Without it, the rise of Romanticism would have been impossible. Romanticism writers such as Scott, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Byron all made a stimulating impact on American literature. (2). Independent. From the very beginning, American Romanticism had distinct features of its own. It originated from a mixture of factors w