Dark Romanticism

Dark Romanticism is a literary sub-genre of Romanticism, reflecting popular fascination with the irrational, the demonic and the grotesque. Often conflated with Gothic fiction, it has shadowed the euphoric Romantic movement ever since its 18th-century beginnings. Edgar Allan Poe is often celebrated as one of the supreme exponents of the tradition. Dark Romanticism focuses on human fallibility, self-destruction, judgement, punishment, as well as the psychological effects of guilt and sin.

Characteristics[edit]

To fully grasp the idea of dark romanticism, we must recognize the attributes that come with the artwork so we can identify them. The characteristics that define dark romanticism are questioning the natural perfection of man, believing that man cannot ever be perfect, that man will never have perfection.^[5] People began to have a less conventional perspective of religion, to pay greater attention to catastrophes, and to let the investigation into terrible realities into their daily life.

Furthermore, the most popular notions are that humans are naturally subject to sin and destruction, that people cannot ever escape sin or be rescued from it, and that people may destroy society, religions, and themselves.

The was between 1840 and 1860. This included Dark Romanticism and Transcendentalism.

American Renaissance

Since it allowed for the study of gloomy ideas, writing, and topics, Dark Romanticism had a huge effect on American literature.

Dark Romanticism began as a response to the Transcendental movement of the mid-nineteenth century. This was a mental shift in thinking from rigid religious thought to a dark, immoral point of view. People were disinterested in optimism when they considered their sin and human nature.

Puritan

Authors and artists were not afraid to express their sinister side. Authors began to investigate man's wicked nature even before 1840.

1809 – was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe is probably one of the most influential writers of this time. His themes focused on human sin and the evil in man. Edgar Allan Poe's works ushered in a new era of Dark Romanticism. His narrative pieces, such as 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' blend profound emotions and a tragic perspective on love, bringing fresh depth and darkness to the storytelling of romantic tales.^[6]

Edgar Allan Poe

– another influential writer, but he is completely different in his writing from Poe and Hawthorne. His themes focus on "the truths of ragged edges"

Herman Melville

From 1840 to the late 1870s, Dark Romanticism dominated literature and art.

The primary element employed was symbolism. They would symbolize man's bad side and "study human nature's difficulties." Artists sought to show how evil, rather than virtue, consumes people, and how individual acts lead to self-destruction.

[7]

Galens, David, ed. (2002) Literary Movements for Students Vol. 1.

Levin, Harry. The Power of Blackness (1958)

. The Romantic Agony (1933)

Praz, Mario

Mullane, Janet and Robert T. Wilson, eds. (1989) Nineteenth Century Literature Criticism Vols. 1, 16, 24.