15 Poetry of the Romantic Era
Romantic Poets
Love and romance is a common theme in poetry and music. Consider these pieces from the Romantic Era, then consider what modern poetry or music might be viewed in a similar way in the future. How do these pieces speak to the beliefs of the people of the Romantic Era? How do they fit in the time of the transcendentalists?
What are to me those honours or renown
Past or to come, a new-born people’s cry?
Albeit for such I could despise a crown
Of aught save laurel, or for such could die.
I am a fool of passion, and a frown
Of thine to me is as an adder’s eye.
To the poor bird whose pinion fluttering down
Wafts unto death the breast it bore so high;
Such is this maddening fascination grown,
So strong thy magic or so weak am I.
First published in Murray’s Magazine, February 1887, Vol. I, p. 146
Byron was a modern-style pop culture celebrity. His behavior was considered scandalous, and this brought him fame and often trouble. He married, but they quickly separated, and Byron had a series of affairs; his affairs with women are documented, though it is suggested that he had affairs with young men as well, one of whom he left money to in his will. He traveled extensively and developed passion for causes and people as a result.
Adapted from Wikipedia
She was a Phantom of delight
When first she gleamed upon my sight;
A lovely Apparition, sent
To be a moment’s ornament;
Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;
Like Twilight’s, too, her dusky hair;
But all things else about her drawn
From May-time and the cheerful Dawn;
A dancing Shape, an Image gay,
To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.
I saw her upon nearer view,
A Spirit, yet a Woman too!
Her household motions light and free,
And steps of virgin-liberty;
A countenance in which did meet
Sweet records, promises as sweet;
A Creature not too bright or good
For human nature’s daily food;
For transient sorrows, simple wiles,
Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.
And now I see with eye serene
The very pulse of the machine;
A Being breathing thoughtful breath,
A Traveller between life and death;
The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;
A perfect Woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command;
And yet a Spirit still, and bright
With something of angelic light.
Composed 1804 — Published 1807
After a brief affair that produced a daughter, William Wordsworth lived with his sister and fellow Romantic Samuel Taylor Coleridge in England for a time. Later he formed the Lake Poets with Coleridge and Robert Southey. He eventually married a childhood friend with whom he had five children. His close friendships informed much of his writing.
Public Domain image. Source: Project Gutenberg
Come with the starry beams, my love,
And press mine eyelids with thy kiss.
’Twas thus, as ancient fables tell,
Love visited a Grecian maid,
Till she disturbed the sacred spell,
And woke to find her hopes betrayed.
But gentle sleep shall veil my sight,
And Psyche’s lamp shall darkling be,
When, in the visions of the night,
Thou dost renew thy vows to me.
Then come to me in dreams, my love,
I will not ask a dearer bliss;
Come with the starry beams, my love,
And press mine eyelids with thy kiss.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is perhaps most famous for having written Frankenstein and for having been married to fellow writer Percy Bysshe Shelley. Their relationship began while Percy was married to another, and they only married after his first wife’s death and the death of their premature child. Mary was the daughter of feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft and philosopher William Godwin.
Adapted from Wikipedia licensed CCA-SA 4.0.
How do these pieces speak to the beliefs of the people of the Romantic Era?
Then, consider a modern poem or lyrics and explain why the piece will be considered indicative of the way current society views love. What makes the piece unique to this time?
