What did you learn about the poetry of the Romantic Period from the selections in this unit? Discuss at least one theme or characteristic of Romanticism using examples from the selections to support your answer.
One theme that is prevalent in the poetry of the Romantic Period is the celebration of nature and the natural world. The poets of this period were deeply enamored with the beauty and power of nature and often sought solace and inspiration in its presence.
One example of this theme can be seen in William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (also known as "Daffodils"). In this poem, Wordsworth describes a moment when he comes across a field of daffodils. The sight of the flowers fills him with a sense of joy and awe, and he becomes one with the natural world. He writes, "A host, of golden daffodils;/ Beside the lake, beneath the trees,/ Fluttering and dancing in the breeze." This poem demonstrates how the beauty of nature can have a profound impact on the human spirit, offering moments of transcendence and solace in a world that can often be harsh and chaotic.
Another example of the celebration of nature can be found in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Although this poem is primarily a narrative, it also contains striking and vivid descriptions of the natural world. Coleridge depicts the wide expanses of the ocean, the majestic icebergs, and the creatures that inhabit them. The natural world in this poem is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, serving as a reflection of the mariner's inner turmoil and guilt.
These examples from Wordsworth and Coleridge's poetry showcase the Romantic Period's fascination with nature and its ability to evoke powerful emotions. The celebration of nature as a source of spiritual and aesthetic inspiration is a defining characteristic of Romanticism.