14
THE INFLUENCE OF THE ROMANTIC MOVEMENT ON CONTEMPORARY
LITERATURE
Dildora Sharif qizi Xoliqnazarova
Student, Chirchik State Pedagogical University
Ulug`bek Yarashovich Elmurodov
Scientific adviser: saman-sardor@mail.ru
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14324352
ABSTRACT
The Romantic movement, which flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries,
introduced a new emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism, challenging the rigid
rationality of Enlightenment thought. This paper explores how Romantic ideals have influenced
contemporary literature, particularly in the themes of emotional depth, connection to nature,
and rebellion against societal norms. By analyzing key Romantic works and tracing their echoes
in modern storytelling, this study demonstrates the enduring relevance of Romanticism in
shaping contemporary literary expression.
Keywords
: romantic Movement, contemporary literature, individualism, emotion,
nature, literary influence.
INTRODUCTION
The Romantic movement emerged as a counterpoint to the Enlightenment's emphasis on
reason and order, prioritizing emotion, imagination, and individual experience. Writers such as
William Wordsworth, Mary Shelley, and Edgar Allan Poe exemplified these ideals, leaving a
profound impact on literature. While Romanticism was most prominent in the 18th and 19th
centuries, its principles continue to shape modern literary landscapes. This study examines
how themes central to Romanticism have permeated contemporary literature, influencing the
portrayal of characters, settings, and narrative structures.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Numerous scholars have explored the enduring impact of the Romantic Movement on
modern literature. Abrams (1971) highlights the Romantic Movement’s pivotal role in
reshaping literary priorities by focusing on imagination, emotion, and the sublime. Wellek
(1955) underscores how Romantic individualism redefined authorship, paving the way for
contemporary explorations of personal identity and existential themes.
Kitson (2005) emphasizes the Romantic idealization of nature, arguing that this reverence
persists in contemporary environmental literature, particularly in eco-fiction. Similarly, Botting
(1996) explores the Gothic elements of Romanticism and their modern iterations in horror and
speculative fiction, with writers such as Stephen King and Shirley Jackson drawing from the
eerie and macabre legacies of Poe and Shelley.
Contemporary scholars have also noted parallels in the themes of rebellion and defiance
against societal norms. Lipking (1988) explores how Romanticism’s revolutionary spirit
resonates with modern dystopian literature, as seen in Margaret Atwood’s
The Handmaid's Tale
and Orwell’s
1984
. These works emdiv a critique of authority and envision alternative worlds,
echoing the Romantic preoccupation with freedom and resistance.
Overall, the literature suggests that Romanticism has not only influenced the thematic
content of modern works but has also shaped the ways in which contemporary authors
15
approach storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural critique.
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a qualitative research methodology to examine the influence of the
Romantic Movement on contemporary literature. The following steps were undertaken:
Textual analysis:
Primary Romantic Texts: Seminal Romantic works, including Wordsworth's Lyrical
Ballads, Shelley's Frankenstein, and Poe's The Raven, were analyzed to identify core themes
such as emotional depth, nature's role, individualism, and Gothic elements.
Contemporary texts: Modern literary works, such as Atwood’s Oryx and Crake,
Murakami’s Norwegian Wood, and King’s The Shining, were studied for thematic and stylistic
parallels to Romantic literature.
Comparative framework:
A comparative framework was established to identify recurring motifs, character
archetypes, and narrative structures shared by Romantic and contemporary texts. Particular
attention was given to themes of rebellion, the sublime, and the interplay between human
emotions and nature.
Critical review of secondary sources:
Scholarly articles, literary criticism, and historical analyses of Romanticism and its impact
on modern literature were reviewed to support and contextualize findings. This ensured a well-
rounded understanding of the topic.
Thematic categorization:
Themes were categorized into four major areas: emotion and individualism, connection
to nature, rebellion against norms, and Gothic/supernatural elements. Examples from both
Romantic and contemporary works were mapped to these categories to trace the influence
effectively.
Interdisciplinary insights:
Insights from philosophy, history, and cultural studies were incorporated to understand
the broader societal impact of Romantic ideals and their evolution in contemporary contexts.
This multi-layered approach allowed for a nuanced exploration of how Romanticism has
shaped and continues to inform modern literary expression.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. Emotion and individualism
Romanticism's focus on emotional depth and the individual's inner world finds a strong
resonance in contemporary literature. Characters in modern novels often grapple with
existential questions and emotional complexities, akin to the introspective heroes of Romantic
literature. For example, the themes of alienation and personal freedom in Murakami’s
Norwegian Wood echo the Romantic preoccupation with individualism.
2. Connection to nature
Romantic writers revered nature as a source of inspiration and solace. Contemporary
environmental literature and eco-fiction, such as Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, reflect this legacy
by portraying nature as both a sanctuary and a battleground for human survival.
3. Rebellion against norms
Romantics often challenged societal conventions and celebrated the unorthodox. This
spirit is evident in contemporary dystopian and speculative fiction, which frequently critiques
16
societal norms and envisions alternative futures. Authors like George Orwell and Margaret
Atwood, though removed by centuries, channel this rebellious Romantic ethos.
4. Gothic and supernatural themes
The Gothic elements of Romantic literature, characterized by mystery, horror, and the
supernatural, have found a modern revival in genres like horror and psychological thrillers.
Works by authors such as Stephen King exhibit parallels to the eerie atmospheres crafted by
Poe and Shelley.
CONCLUSSION
The Romantic movement has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature, its
themes of emotional depth, reverence for nature, and defiance of convention continuing to
resonate. While literary styles and cultural contexts have evolved, the core principles of
Romanticism persist, influencing diverse genres and narratives.
Romanticism's celebration of individualism and emotional expression has empowered
modern authors to delve deeply into the complexities of human experience, enriching character
development and broadening the scope of storytelling. Furthermore, its reverence for nature
has significantly influenced contemporary eco-literature, fostering an enduring awareness of
humanity's connection to the natural world.
The Romantic emphasis on challenging societal norms is reflected in the rise of dystopian
and speculative fiction, which critique existing power structures and advocate for freedom and
innovation. Gothic and supernatural elements have similarly endured, fueling the popularity of
horror and psychological thrillers in modern literature.
In essence, Romanticism transcends its historical period, serving as a foundational
influence that continues to shape the thematic and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary
literary works. Its legacy underscores the enduring power of literature to evoke emotion,
challenge convention, and inspire both reflection and imagination.
References:
1.
Abrams, M. H. The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition.
Oxford University Press. 1971
2.
Atwood, M. Oryx and Crake. McClelland & Stewart. 2003
3.
Botting, F. Gothic. Routledge. 1996
4.
Kitson, P. Romantic Ecologies and Colonial Cultures in the British Atlantic World.
Cambridge University Press. 2005
5.
Lipking, L. "Romanticism and Critique." The Wordsworth Circle, 19(2), 90-98. 1988
6.
Murakami, H. Norwegian Wood. Kodansha. 2000
7.
Shelley, M. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding,
Mavor & Jones. 1818
8.
Wordsworth, W., & Coleridge, S. T. Lyrical Ballads. Joseph Cottle. 1798
9.
Wellek, R. A History of Modern Criticism: 1750-1950, Vol. 2: The Romantic Age. Yale
University Press. 1955.
