What are Eagleton’s Views on ‘Romanticism’?

Answer

What are Eagleton’s Views on ‘Romanticism’?

Terry Eagleton (1943-present) is a famous British literary critic and theorist. He shares important ideas about Romanticism in his essay “The Rise of English,” which is in his book “Literary Theory: An Introduction” (1983). Romanticism was a significant change in literature, focusing on imagination, creativity, and emotions. In his essay, Eagleton carefully examines how Romanticism shaped English literature. This discussion will explain Eagleton’s views on Romanticism in a few key points.

Reaction to Industrialization and Utilitarianism: Eagleton views Romanticism as a response to the growing dominance of industrialization and utilitarianism in the 19th century. He notes that the Romantics opposed the materialistic outlook. This outlook reduced human relations to market exchanges and dismissed art as unprofitable. Eagleton states, 

In England, a crassly philistine Utilitarianism is rapidly becoming the dominant ideology of the middle class.

Thus, Romanticism sought refuge in the imagination. It also offers an escape from the harsh realities of industrial capitalism.

Imagination as a Political Force: Terry Eagleton says that imagination in the Romantic period was not just for creating art. It was also a way to fight against industrial capitalism. Romantic poets used imagination as a tool to resist the harsh system. They believed it could challenge the problems of that time. Imagination helped them show a better world. It was their way of giving hope to people in a problematic society. As Eagleton puts it, 

Imagination itself, as with Blake and Shelley, becomes a political force.

The Romantics created an imaginative space that stood against the utilitarian world.

Role of Symbols in Romantic Poetry: Eagleton discusses the importance of symbols in Romantic literature. He notes that Romantic poets pioneered symbols to convey deeper social, political, and psychological issues. Symbols crystallized larger ideas and allowed poets to explore complex themes. Eagleton notes, 

Through symbols, writers have highlighted many issues of society. And it was the Romantic poets who started it first.

This focus on symbols allowed Romantic poets to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. This makes their works a powerful tool for expressing the emotions and struggles of their time.

Romanticism as an Alternative Ideology: According to Eagleton, Romanticism offered an “alternative ideology” in response to the sterility of the socio-political environment of the time. Romantic poets rejected the emerging trends of industrial society and sought solace in nature and imagination. Here is a quotation to support the idea.

Literature has become a whole alternative ideology, and the ‘imagination’ itself as with Blake and Shelley becomes a political force.

Eagleton describes this as a way of positing another system. The Romantics used their works to critique the prevailing order. They imagined a world beyond the rigid and capitalist society.

Limitations and Idealism of Romanticism: Eagleton also highlights the limitations of Romanticism. While the Romantics critiqued materialistic society, they often failed to translate their imaginative ideals into concrete socio-political changes. Eagleton notes that some Romantics could not crystallize their thoughts concretely. Their focus on the individual and the ideal often resulted in a retreat from reality. This led to art being more concerned with aesthetic beauty than social action.

In conclusion, Eagleton explains that Romanticism has two sides. It challenges the industrial system and focuses on imagination. Romanticism uses symbols and ideas to fight against materialism. However, its weakness lies in being too idealistic and disconnected from real social issues by limiting real change.