Summary
Wernaer, Robert M. Romanticism and
the Romantic School in Germany.
London: D.Appleton and Company, 1910.
PT361 .W50 1910 Summary by Agatha
Feltus
"Romanticism, Classicism, and Humanism"
This chapter attempts to answer the
question, "What is Romanticism?"
and finds that it is not just a passing
phase of literature, but a lasting
trait of human nature. Wernaer finds
that Classicism and Romanticism are
inseparably linked , yet totally
opposed.
"The Romantic Mission"
This chapter gives a short history
of the influences on Romanticism
by taking a brief look at the works
and historical events which inspired
the movement. Wernaer argues that
the German Romantics found their
justification in the existence of
an inner world which was profoundly
emotional.
"Romanticism and Symbolism"
In this chapter, Wernaer argues that
the conflict within the Romantics,
who tried to reconcile their inner
world with the outer world gave rise
to symbolism, which expresses both
union and separation. It includes
many quotes by some of the more famous
German Romantic authors to illustrate
this point.
"Romantic Philosophy"
This chapter deals with three authors
and their views of Romantic metaphysics
and nature philosophy, romantic religion,
and beauty and love. The first (metaphysics,
etc.) saw nature as the human mind
in embryo; as being nature on the
highest plane. Romantic religion
was based upon paradoxes--pantheism
on one hand and a personal God on
the other. The third is the center,
according to Wernaer, of Romantic
thought.
"Romanticism and Nature"
This chapter examines Rousseau's
effect on the Romantic concept of
nature, which the Romantics saw in
two ways: a subjective and a pantheistic
attitude. Again illustrated with
many quotes from major authors, not
all German.
Other chapters of interest include:
"Romanticism and the Fairy Tale"
"Patriotism and Cosmopolitanism or
Middle-Ages, Renaissance, and Neo-Romanticism"
"What is Romanticism to Us To-Day?"
"Romantic Leaders"
"Two Romantic Women"
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Jesse D. Hurlbut--Last Updated November 9, 1993