At the beginning of the 1800s, English poetry underwent certain changes from emotional Romanticism to rational Victorianism. Despite the intention to find new realms and ideas, English writers continued offering many romantic values in Victorian poetry. The works by William Blake and John Keats, one of the best representatives of the Romantic era, differ from the Victorian poems written by Edgar Allan Poe and Matthew Arnold. Still, Romanticism was revised but not eliminated in the middle of the 1800s. Although Victorian poetry tried to diminish the place of such romantic characteristics as the faith in the human imagination, focus on emotions, and the re-evaluation of nature, these values were not completely rejected.
English Romanticism did not last long, but this period introduced several values that define English poetry today. Romantic poets were inspired by nature and the belief that everything can be upgraded and understood with time. It was a time when human ideals and imagination played a significant role and allowed people to resist harsh social norms and political orders. Keats’ “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer” is a solid example of how liberation is achieved by re-evaluating old rules. The poet underlined the worth of emotions and nature in human life, admitting that “I never breathe its pure serene” (Keats 192).
His comparison “like some watcher of the skies” proves the intention to change and enjoy his emotional shifts. Similar values are observed in Blake’s “London,” but the author chooses negative emotions to share his indignation. Blake was upset about “marks of weakness, marks of woe/In every cry of every man” (140). However, regardless of the tone, these are examples of the strong imagination and focus on emotions, even desperate and confused.
It seems that industrialization and technological progress considerably shaped English poets and made them change their naïve feelings into practical decisions. On the one hand, Victorianism revealed the worth of scientific discoveries to improve the quality of life. On the other hand, Romantic values were not forgotten, which allowed advancement and new perspectives. Arnold and Poe are the representatives of Victorian poetry who discuss the role of nature, emotions, and imagination under new industrial conditions. For example, Arnold did not ignore his feelings and understand the “flow of human misery” that “we find also in the sound a thought” (290).
Poe, in his turn, asked, “Thrilled me – filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before” (225). Both poets were afraid of the unknown that was waiting for them, but they were ready to trust in their emotions, enhance their imagination, and succeed. In fact, being obsessed with Victorian regulations and science, people did not neglect their feelings and wanted to achieve liberation by any possible means.
Romantic and Victorian poetries have multiple differences, which proves the necessity to divide the 19th century into two meaningful eras. English poets were exposed to new living conditions and had to use new tools and techniques that became a meaningful part of their life. At the same time, it was wrong to forget and abandon the achievements made during Romanticism. Therefore, relying on the poems by Poe, Arnold, Keats, or Blake, it is correct to say that there was a dignified place for romantic values in Victorian poetry. The industrial culture was strong, but people could not lose their hopes and dreams, addressing nature, emotions, and imaginations in their works.
English literature consists of several critical eras where poets choose their directions and follow the standards demanded by society. The differences between the Romantic and Victorian eras in literature were evident. Poets became interested in science and its impact on life. They did not want to hide their negative emotions and suffering due to the inability to resist unexpected changes. Fortunately, people were smart enough not to give up, and they used their emotions, imagination, and inspiration from nature to survive and take the best from both epochs. The works by Poe, Arnold, Keats, and Blake demonstrate how the same values may be revised and create a new world in British literature. Romanticism and Victorianism could coexist in many literary works, making them recognizable and respected among modern readers.
Works Cited
Arnold, Matthew. “Dover Beach.” The Broadview Anthology of Poetry, edited by Herbert Rosengarten and Amanda Goldrick-Jones, Broadview Press, 2009, pp. 289-290.
Blake, William. “London.” The Broadview Anthology of Poetry, edited by Herbert Rosengarten and Amanda Goldrick-Jones, Broadview Press, 2009, p. 140.
Keats, John. “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer.” The Broadview Anthology of Poetry, edited by Herbert Rosengarten and Amanda Goldrick-Jones, Broadview Press, 2009, p. 192.
Poe, Edgar Allen. “The Raven.” The Broadview Anthology of Poetry, edited by Herbert Rosengarten and Amanda Goldrick-Jones, Broadview Press, 2009, pp. 225-227.