Romantic Poetry Flashcards
(7 cards)
What is a summary of ‘Lines Written in Early Spring’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
The poem reflects on the beauty of spring and the joy it brings, contrasting it with the sorrow of what mankind has made of itself.
Romantic ideas: Nature as a source of joy and spiritual renewal, the corruption of society, the relationship between humans and nature, emotion.
What is a summary of ‘Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
Wordsworth revisits TA after five years and reflects on the changes in himself and huis perception of nature.
In his youth, he loved nature passionately but now he views it more philosophically and spiritually.
Wordsworth turns to his sister in hope that she too will find the same solace in nature.
Romantic ideas: The power and beauty of nature, importance of emotion and imagination, inner reflection, childhood innocence, the simplicity of rural life.
What is a summary of ‘On this day I complete my thirty-sixth year’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
A poem that describes the speakers own opinion on the youthful and passionate life he has led.
Feeling as though he is no longer worthy of love, instead of regretting his life decisions, he decides to die a glorified death in war.
Romantic ideas: Human emotion, glorification of hedonism and sacrifice, emotion and individual experience.
What is a summary of ‘The Question’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
The speaker tells of a dream in which they encounter a forest of blooming flowers.
The speaker makes a small bouquet to bring back but is unsure of who to give it to.
Romantic ideas: Nature as a source of beauty and inspiration, imagination, emotion, transience and loss.
What is a summary of ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
The poet encounters a nightingale’s song, leading to profound meditation on mortality, beauty and the transience of human life.
Romantic ideas: Nature vs man, imagination and escapism, transience of human life, melancholy and beauty.
What is a summary of ‘The Tyger’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
The poem explores the duality of good and evil - how the same creator of the gentle lamb could also make a destructive tiger.
This raises deeper questions about the nature of God.
Romantic ideas: Awe of nature, rejection of enlightenment rationalism, corruption of humanity.
What is a summary of ‘Sonnet on the sea’ and what Romantic ideas are seen in it?
The poet describes the incredible power of the tide.
The sea’s vastness, mystery and power can refresh the mind and open people up to a world of imagination.
Humanity should not be fearful of the sea’s power.
Romantic ideas: Nature as a sublime and powerful force, emotional solace in nature, nature vs man, imagination.
