Analysis Of The Main Values Of The Romantic Era

William Wordsworth once said, “Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher”. In other words, let nature enlighten one in becoming a pure individual. Romanticism was a movement in the late 18th century that emphasized individuality and flawed human nature, while also glorifying nature. Romanticism’s ideals of nature and the dark reality of humanity drive one to discover true individuality through nature. Romanticism was a reaction to industrialization and the Enlightenment in the late 18th and early 19 centuries. Romanticists renounced the rationalism and order associated with the Enlightenment era and instead focused on the importance of expressing authentic personal feelings. Romantics believed it was their duty to use their literature to inform and inspire others and change corrupt society. Industrialism inspired many Romantics to write about their reverence for nature, which they felt industrialism clouded with pollution and destruction. All Romantics also strongly believed in the significance of individualism: a conviction that people should follow ideals rather than imposed conventions and rules.

Romanticism was arguably the largest movement of the 1700s, and its influence spread across continents into the mid-19th century. Romanticism values and beliefs can still be seen to this day in contemporary works and movements which emphasize a reverence for Mother Earth and its compatibility with individuality. Many people have aspired to achieve Romanticist values by going to the extreme. In the book “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, the story of Chris McCandless is revealed in which a young intellectual man decided to depart from his family and his past and venture into the wilderness of Alaska. Chris McCandless was a big fan of influential writers such as Henry David Thoreau and Jack London whose writings displayed a jovial resemblance of nature. These adopted values, along with his resentment towards his father’s lies can be seen as the fuel for his shocking departure from his old life to a nomadic lifestyle centered on the basic needs of survival.

Such values Chris treasured and the beliefs he venerated, resembled the values and beliefs of Romanticism. For example, Chris McCandless “took as gospel the essay On the Duty of Civil Disobedience and thus considered it his moral responsibility to flout the laws of the state”. Chris’s strong adherence to Henry David Thoreau’s famous piece of literature illustrated a sense of individuality, such as resisting to obey the government, that does not conform to conventional rules that everyone is expected to follow. This strong individualism reflects that of many Romantics during the era of Romanticism and ultimately its values. Chris McCandless during his temporary stay in civilization was also seen as “missing a few screws” by his McDonalds coworkers for “when he talked, he was always going on about trees and nature”. Chris tended to discuss nature and proclaim his commendation for its various attributes. This shows that Chris also had a deep admiration for nature that was also key in Romanticism. However, it was Chris’s abandonment of his old life and possessions that truly reflects the ideals and potential of Romanticism.

Chris felt the need to abandon his old life because he was disgusted by civilization and angered by the dark reality of human moral imperfection. For example, when Chris McCandless stayed in Bullhead City, Arizona and worked at McDonalds for two months “he’d grown tired of Bullhead, tired of punching a clock, tired of the ‘plastic people’ he worked with, and decided to get the hell out of town”. Chris’s romantic ideals – of individualism and nature – were not compatible with the “plastic people” and stressful duties associated with such hectic civilization, so he resumed his journey to Alaska. However, when Chris found out about his father’s double life the summer before his freshman year of college while visiting El Segundo, California, he was filled with “smoldering anger” for his own father did not fit his “impossibly rigorous moral code”. When Chris McCandless eventually ventured into Alaska, he came to embrace his true individuality through nature. For example, when Chris finally was out an alone in Fairbanks, Alaska he wrote on a sheet of weathered plywood: . . . he walks the earth. . . an aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. . . escaped from Atlanta. Thou shalt not return. . . now. . . the final and greatest adventure. . . the climactic battle to kill the false being within. . . ten days and nights. . . bring him to the great white north.

No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild. This “declaration of independence” describes how Chris McCandless believed that the wild and the isolation that came with it, would procur a “spiritual revolution” that would liberate the remnants of his past life – filled with pain and sorrow brought about by his childhood and devastating family secrets – as well alleviate the “poison” of civilization to embrace his new veracious individuality. But Chris McCandless wasn’t the only one with such estranged desires to enrich his soul with nature to become anew.

In his essay “Nature” from his book “Nature” (2004) Ralph Waldo Emerson asserts that nature is a source of inspiration and consolation, a restorer of the human spirit and a moral guide. Emerson supports his position first by describing how nature is a source of influence which awakens “certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence” ; second by describing how nature offers a perpetual youth and joy, “the sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he. . who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. ” ; and lastly by describing how nature is a moral guide and a source of consolation, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There. . . nothing can befall me in life – no disgrace, no calamity, which nature cannot repair”. Emerson’s purpose is to promote a reverence and deeper understanding of nature, which embodies one of the key values of romanticism which shares similarity with transcendentalism in regards to its admiration of nature. Despite being a famous transcendentalist, Emerson clarifies in his essay the similar romantic view that the world of nature is a source of strength – by promoting intellectual and moral development as well as self reliance – and a doorway to finding one’s true individuality.

Emerson, however wasn’t the only transcendentalist that embodied romantic values in his work. In his essay “Why I Went to the Woods” from Walden (1854), Henry David Thoreau explains that he took a sabbatical from civilization (for a while) because he wanted to make time for nature and challenge himself to a life of simplicity. Thoreau supports his explanation first by describing how he “wished to live deliberately” desiring to “live deep. . and reduce it life to its lowest terms. . . get the genuine meanness of it” by living off the land; second by describing how the regular life of a working man is unpleasant and wasteful, “Our life is frittered away by detail”; third by describing how he could “easily do without the post-office” which resembles civilization; fourth by asserting that men should “steadily observe realitys only” so they will not be deceived and conform to their daily life; and lastly by inviting the reader to “spend one day” immersed in Nature. The author's purpose is to convince the reader to take a break from civilization and live life in the most basic terms by making time for nature. The author’s tone is critical but also encouraging to his audience of regular working people who lack experience of spending quality time in nature. Thoreau, through solitary existence with nature, embodies the values of Romanticism such as the importance of staying true to one’s own individuality. However despite the similarities between Romanticism and Transcendentalism, such as their admiration for nature, importance of self-reliance and individuality. Romanticism sets itself apart with its ability to be pessimistic. Unlike Transcendentalism, which is rather positive in believing that humans are all inherently good, Romanticism’s keen eyes are open to the dark shadows of human reality. In which that humans have an inherent darkness rather than an inherent goodness.

Romantic works diverge from those of Transcendentalist works by mentioning the imperfect realities such as guilt, sorrow, and pain rather than divinity’s influence. In his essay “No Man Is an Island” from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions (1624) John Donne asserts that all human lives are intertwined and human pain, sorrow, and death, wherever they occur, concern us all. Donne supports his position first by introducing the tolling church bell as a metaphor for death that, “calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come, so this bell calls us all” which signify that the toll of death (since the bell represents funeral bells) concerns all mankind. ; second by using metaphor for man by contrasting him to islands and continents, “No man is an island, entire of itself;every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. ” to show that no one is ever truly alone, and we are all connected; lastly the author describes human affliction, “Another man. . . affliction may lie in his bowles, as gold in a mine, and be of no use to him; but this bell, that tells me of his affliction. . . applies that gold to me. ” and how it affects us individually but can also affect others because we are ultimately intertwined. The author’s purpose is to convey that all human beings are inevitably connected since “No man is and island” and that human affliction concerns everyone since “the bell” tolls for all of us. Donne establishes the distinct values of Romanticism that reveal the dark reality of human nature in his essay, by supporting the fact that all humans are connected in pain, sorrow, and death.

However, Romanticism isn’t just about being pessimistic. (revise this paragraph completely) In his poem Song of Myself, Walt Whitman essentially celebrates himself in a very positive manner. Yet he also acknowledges that we are all connected, “every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you” . By stating that he is made as the same things as the everyone else, Walt establishes that everyone is connected. But he implies that we are all inherently different, like snowflakes, each composed of its own unique design. Whiteman also compares himself with nature, “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love”. Suggesting that he is one with nature, which he professes to admire. Whitman’s overall celebration of himself and his enamor for nature reflects a celebration of individuality and reverence for nature that reflects romanticism key values. Romanticism belief that true individuality can be achieved through immersement in nature is not just supported in literature, it’s also supported by scientific study. Ecotherapy is a type of treatment programme that is meant to improve mental and physical health through outdoor activities that allow one to connect with nature. Such outdoor activities include working in nature (such as a conservation project, gardening, or farming) or experiencing nature (such as perambulating or cycling through a park or woodland). Ecotherapy is used to manage mental health problems until they disapparate and also prevent future illness (mainly mental such as an episode of depression). If one were to ponder about the mystery behind such environmental therapy, it would soon become clear that it is no mystery at all. Nature has prodigious power and influence over human beings which are filled with pain, sorrow, imperfection, and flaws, all of which accepted realities of human nature. Nature has the power to influence one’s mood and improve one’s all health. For example, a study conducted 8 years ago revealed that prisoners whose cells overlooked farms and trees were twenty-four percent fewer sick-visits than prisoners whose cells did not overlook nature.

Another study (that was conducted over a ten year span) of postoperative patients who were able to see trees had a shorter hospital stay, required fewer painkillers, used less medication, and less reported negative evaluation comments in their medical record (source). Spending time to immerse oneself with nature can significantly improve negative feelings, especially depression. For example, a study by a mental health charity called Mind found that seventy one percent of the people who took part in its nature walk reported decreased levels of depression. This One could also argue that departure from Nature can also have negative health effects. For example, many millenials of the 21st century have been commonly known to spend less time outside than those before them. This missing connection with nature contributes to the globalization of depression throughout social media. Ecotherapy allows for one to discover individuality, through healing and growth nurtured by healthy interactions with nature. Romantics in the era of the Romantic movement would have surely approved of ecotherapy which they practiced so often.

Speaking of romantics, William Wordsworth, is known as being one of the most profound romantics at the time. Especially since he is credited for kick-starting the Romantic movement in England with his Lyric Ballad which he co-wrote with Samuel Coleridge. Two of poems from the ballad, Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth, and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Coleridge illustrate the values and beliefs of romanticism. For instance, in Tintern Abbey, Wordsworth asserts that human-kind changes over time, specifically our perception of the world which alters from youth to post-youth. In his poem William describes that his perception five years prior was different in comparison to his present perception, his experience included “bounding o’er the mountains by the sides/Of the deep rivers, and lonely streams/Wherever nature led”, but then he became more contemplative. WIlliam points out that this perception has benefits. For example, he remarks how the nostalgic emotions he has felt has brought him since tranquility since then, to the extent to which he claims as if Nature has provided him with an advanced state of being. This reflects the idea that nature culminates the ability for one to discover true individuality while having a deep reverence for nature. In The Rime of the Ancient Master Coleridge tells the tale of a prophet of nature while utilizing gothic elements (a result of the imagination stimulated by he breaking of conventions). In the poem an old sailor pulls aside a guest at a wedding and entrances the man with story that he is compelled to tell. The encounter resembles a religious conversion attempt, “For the dear God who loveth us” (line 615), but it is actually a plea to appreciate Nature, “loveth well. Both man and bird and beast”. The overall diction of the poem is more simplistic and lyrical than that of the majority of poems written at the time. But both Wordsworth and Coleridge contain messages that encourage a return to, and appreciation of nature which provides peace, knowledge, safety and happiness, all of which promote emotional expression and individuality.

One illustrious former Prince, Siddhartha Gautama (also known as the Buddha), achieved his true individuality through his realization of human nature and intense immersement in nature. Siddhartha Gautama, was born a Prince, who was sheltered from the land of the poor and cherished in a wealthy kingdom. Siddhartha, was an extremely intelligent individual who excelled in all things, however he was unaware of dark reality of human reality. This was because his father, the King, intended to keep his Son naive to the reality of the poor conditions that most commoners endured. However, Siddhartha’s curiosity grew stronger than his father’s filter over his life which soon faded one fateful afternoon. That afternoon Siddhartha ordered to go on a private carriage ride outside the kingdom walls and observe the lives of the common people. As they traveled, Siddhartha saw three things that shocked him to his core. The first thing was an old man who had trouble ambulating, the second was a sick man, who needed help to cross the trail/road, the third was a dead man who was decomposing with flies flying swarming around. Siddhartha couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of pain and death, all forms of suffering. He didn’t understand such dark realities of human nature. Instead of accepting this reality, Siddhartha decided to find a solution and discovere away to end suffering. So one night, he left his family and escaped into the wild to live in solitude.

Siddhartha inflicted suffering on himself, such as starving himself to the bone, to figure out ways to end such suffering, but he realized that that was not the way. Eventually after 6 years of meditating in solitude – while living among the forest – Siddhartha achieved Nirvana (which is represented in many ancient paintings as a glowing presence around one's head) and became a prized Monk. When Siddhartha achieved Nirvana, he had attained an unlimited amount of knowledge, including the answer to suffering. He now realized that the suffering of human beings is a reality that must be accepted, however suffering can be cured if one is completely detached for any emotional connections with others nor any care for one’s own condition. Spending 6 years of solitude in the arms of nature, had allowed Siddartha to reap the benefits of nature’s ability to promote personal growth and knowledge. He know accepted the dark realities of human nature, and attained the fullest level of individuality, to the extent of breaking the cycle of rebirth. Siddhartha is a prime example that even those who existed over 2,000 years ago had similar values to those of Romantics during the Era of Romanticism, which is the value of individualism achieved through realization of the dark reality of human nature and immersement in nature.

Romanticism can be defined by its emphasis on individualism, acknowledgment of the dark reality of humanity, and a glorification of nature. But Romanticism’s true message, and the ultimate passage into becoming a Romantic, is to acknowledge the dark reality of human nature and utilize nature to discover one’s true individuality. To acknowledge the dark reality of human beings is to have to ability to accept that not everyone is “inherently good” but there is inherent darkness and corruption in our world and universe. To utilize nature is to have a deep reverence for nature, an intense enamor for it, and being able to immerse oneself within its green splendor. And lastly, such true individuality is a sense of self that is full of emotion, knowledge, self-reliance, and a contumacious attitude that is furnished by the everlasting prodigious beauty and serenity of nature.