Prose in Romantic Age 

Prose refers to standard writing composed of sentences and paragraphs. It follows the natural flow of speech, using grammatical structures and sentence formats similar to how we talk. Unlike poetry, prose isn’t restricted by rhyme schemes or meter (rhythmic patterns). Its primary goal is to communicate ideas, stories, or information in a clear and straightforward manner. Prose can be used for fiction (novels, short stories) and non-fiction (articles, essays, reports).

The Romantic Age, roughly spanning from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, was a period of immense change and upheaval in Europe. It saw a rejection of the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and logic, and a celebration of emotion, imagination, and individual experience. This shift in worldview had a profound impact on the development of prose writing. Due to this, Prose writing underwent a significant changes during this time. Some of the trends in Romantic prose are:

A. Shift from Reason to Emotion:

One of the defining characteristics of Romantic prose is its emphasis on emotion over reason. This was a reaction to the Enlightenment ideals of the previous century, which had placed a high value on logic and objectivity. Romantic writers believed that the true essence of human experience could only be captured through the exploration of feelings and imagination. For instance, Emily Brontë’s novel “Wuthering Heights” is a tale of passionate and destructive love set against the wild Yorkshire moors. The characters, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, are driven by intense emotions of love, jealousy, and revenge. Another example is “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley that explores ambition, isolation, and the dangers of scientific hubris. Victor Frankenstein’s creation of a monstrous being leads to emotional turmoil for both creator and creature. Thus, it challenges Enlightenment ideals of reason and progress.

B. A Move Away from Formalism:

Romantic prose writers departed from the rigid formality of 18th-century prose, which was characterized by balanced sentences, complex syntax, and a focus on clarity and objectivity. Instead, they embraced a more personal and subjective style. Romantic writers values spontaneity and believes that everyone should be able to express their thoughts in their own unique way. Classical writers often seem similar, like they were all made by the same machine. But Romantic writers offer endless variety. They focus on individualism employing a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures. For example: De Quincey’s autobiographical work “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater” in which De Quincey employs a highly personal and introspective style, weaving together vivid descriptions, emotional reflections, and intricate narratives. Another example is Jane Austen’s novel “Northanger Abbey”. It satirizes the Gothic novel genre popular during the Romantic era while also showcasing a departure from formalism in prose. Austen employs a witty and ironic narrative voice, infusing her prose with humour, social commentary, and psychological insight. Her writing style is characterized by its conversational tone, subtle irony, and playful use of language.

C. The Importance of Nature:

The natural world was a central theme in Romantic literature, and prose writers often used vivid descriptions of nature to evoke emotions and convey symbolic meaning. Nature plays a central role in setting the mood and atmosphere of the novel. It serves for both a source of beauty and terror. Ann Radcliffe’s Gothic novel “The Mysteries of Udolpho” features stunning descriptions of the Italian landscape, including picturesque mountains, forests, and crumbling castles. Charlotte Brontë’s novel “Jane Eyre” incorporates elements of Romanticism, including its portrayal of the natural world as a source of solace and inspiration for the protagonist, Jane Eyre. Throughout the novel, nature serves as a sanctuary where Jane can escape the confines of society and explore her innermost thoughts and emotions.

D. Revolutionary ideas:

Romantic prose was marked by the emergence of revolutionary ideas that challenged established norms and conventions. For instance, Emily Brontë introduced an anti-hero, Heathcliff, who, unlike the traditional hero, is black, a gipsy, and violent in behaviour. Again In Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre,” the titular character’s journey from orphaned child to independent woman is a testament to her strength of character and resilience in the face of adversity.

Different Evolving Forms of Prose in Romantic Age

Gothic Novel

The Gothic novel emerged as a prominent form within Romantic prose which is characterized by its fascination with the supernatural, eerie settings, and melodramatic plots. Authors like Mary Shelley with “Frankenstein”, Anne Radcliffe with “The Mysteries of Udolpho”, Horace Wolpole with “The Caste of Otranto” and Bram Stoker with “Dracula” exemplify this genre. This genre combines elements of horror, romance, and mystery. These works often explore themes of human nature, mortality, and the darker aspects of society, as well as reflect the Romantic period’s fascination with the mysterious and the unknown. Gothic novels also often feature intricate plots, intricate settings, and complex characters that provide a rich tapestry for exploring the depths of human psyche and society’s fears and desires.

Historical Novels

The historical novel played a significant role in the development of prose during the Romantic Age, offering writers a platform to explore themes of national identity, cultural heritage, and the relationship between past and present. Romantic writers sought to reconnect with history as a source of inspiration and imagination, using the historical novel as a means to evoke the spirit of different epochs and bring the past to life for contemporary readers.

One of the most influential historical novels of the Romantic Age is Sir Walter Scott’s “Waverley” (1814), which is often considered the first historical novel in the English language. Set against the backdrop of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, “Waverley” explores themes of loyalty, honor, and political upheaval, while also capturing the beauty and romance of the Scottish Highlands. Scott’s meticulous attention to historical detail and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters set a new standard for historical fiction, inspiring countless writers to explore the genre in the years that followed. Another notable example is Mary Shelley’s “Valperga” which is set in 14th-century Italy. The novel follows the struggles of the Italian city-states during the time of the Guelphs and Ghibellines. The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, and the quest for freedom.

Novel of Manners

Novel of manners is a literary genre that focuses on the social behaviour, customs, and values of a particular social class or community. These novels often explore the subtleties of social interactions, etiquette, and moral codes within society. The novel of manners played a significant role in the development of prose during the Romantic age by capturing the social and moral complexities of the time. Authors like Jane Austen, with works such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” meticulously depicted the intricacies of societal norms, class structures, and personal relationships. Through sharp wit, subtle irony, and astute character portrayal, these novels explored themes of love, marriage, and individual agency within the confines of society.

The Essays

During the Romantic Age, essays played a significant role as a medium for expressing personal and subjective perspectives on a wide range of topics. Unlike the more formal and didactic essays of the previous century, Romantic essays were characterized by their emphasis on individuality, emotion, and imagination. Writers like William Hazlitt, Charles Lamb, and Thomas De Quincey contributed to the development of the familiar essay, which focused on intimate-feeling commentaries often inspired by incidents in the authors’ private lives. These essays explored eclectic topics, from art and literature to everyday experiences, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of the authors’ minds.

Important Prose Writers of Romantic Prose

Charles Lamb

Lamb was an English essayist and poet. If Francis Bacon is the father of English essays, Charles Lamb is regarded as the Prince of English Essays. Lamb is best known for his Essays of Elia collection of essays and for his children’s book, Tales from Shakespeare, written jointly with his sister, Mary Lamb. He was a friend to elite literary figures of his age like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Hazlitt, Hunt, and Southey. Thus, he was at the center of a major literary circle in England. He started his literary career by writing sonnets, which were published by S.T. Coleridge. Lamb’s success as a writer stemmed not from adhering to popular sentiments or conforming to the dominant literary fashions of the era, but rather from his willingness to challenge and oppose them. Therefore, Hazlitt’s remark about Lamb,

He had succeeded as a writer not by conforming to the spirit of the age but in opposition to it.”

William Hazlitt

William Hazlitt played a pivotal role in shaping prose during the Romantic Age through his innovative style, insightful commentary, and contributions to literary criticism. His essays are known for their lack of pretentiousness and clear, vibrant language. His collection of essays, Table-Talk (1821), showcases his wit and insightful observations on life. Hazlitt held strong beliefs in liberty, justice, and the rights of individuals, which he often expressed through his political essays. He believed in the power of the individual to effect positive change and was deeply committed to opposing tyranny and oppression. In his essays, Hazlitt passionately advocated for freedom of thought and expression and condemned abuses of power. As he asserted in his 1819 collection of Political Essays, ‘I have a hatred of tyranny, and a contempt for its tools… I cannot sit quietly down under the claims of barefaced power, and I have tried to expose the little arts of sophistry by which they are defended.’ As a leading literary critic, Hazlitt’s work on Shakespeare and other literary figures elevated the standards of literary criticism

Leigh Hunt

Leigh Hunt was a multifaceted literary figure of the Romantic era, best known for his work as a critic, essayist, and poet. Hunt was a vocal supporter of the Romantic movement. He used his influential journal, The Examiner, as a platform to champion the works of his Romantic contemporaries like John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Charles Lamb. This critical platform significantly influenced the public’s perception of Romanticism. Hunt’s home in Hampstead became a hub for Romantic writers and thinkers. This group, known as the “Hunt circle,” fostered collaboration and intellectual exchange, contributing to the development of Romantic ideas.

Jane Austen

Jane Austen is renowned for revolutionizing the novel by portraying the lives of ordinary people in everyday situations. Throughout her lifetime, she published four novels: “Sense and Sensibility” (1811), “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), “Mansfield Park” (1814), and “Emma” (1815). Additionally, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey” were published posthumously in 1817. Austen’s novels vividly depict English middle-class life in the early 19th century and are considered defining works in the genre of the novel of manners. Despite being rooted in her era, Austen’s novels have endured as timeless classics, Austen’s novels are known for their sharp characterizations, clever dialogue, and satirical observations. Her legacy continues to influence literature and culture to this day.

Sir Walter Scott

Scott is considered one of the pioneers of the historical novel, with works such as Waverley, Ivanhoe, and Rob Roy capturing the imagination of readers with their vivid depictions of historical events and characters. His writing helped to popularize the genre and shaped perceptions of national identity in Scotland and beyond.