Impact of french revolution on the romantic poetry
Answers
The French Revolution was an event that seriously impacted the philosophy and writings of many of the Romantic writers and poets. The French Revolution was more than a time of liberating the oppressed and the dethroning of old ideas and prejudices that allowed the few wealthy to rule over the poor majority; it was a time, for example, that the “romantics,” viewed as apocalyptic—the fulfillment of Judeo-Christian prophesies. To these romantic artist and writers, the French Revolution was more than the transfer of political and social power, it was the emergence of a morality that resembled the quiet peaceful nature of man.
In fact, the French Revolution did not live up to the expectations of all. Not only were women left out, many of whom participated in the struggle at the same level as men, but many English intellectuals, for example, spoke ill of the revolution with its whimsical executions, skewed politics, and seemingly unguided social renovations. Nevertheless, the French Revolution paved the way for vast social, political and economic change. Of course, many of the philosophers, thinkers, and writers of the period, like William Godwin, John Jacques Rousseau, were provided greater recognition due to the French Revolution. The aftermath of the revolution; its tragedies, disappointments, failings, and successes also helped set the stage for William Godwin, Williams Blake, Percy Bysshe Shelley and other Romanic writers, as the shifted from the somber to the expectation of peace and a new morality.