What are Eagleton’s Views on ‘Romanticism’?
The Rise of English is a notable literary work by Terry Eagleton. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Rise of English.
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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.
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