Le romantisme [Bac de français]

Romanticism is described as a literary movement that emerged in the first half of the 19th century, characterized by its opposition to Classicism and the Enlightenment. It emphasizes the exaltation of feelings, individuality, and a quest for freedom, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its principles and context.

The birth of Romanticism is not confined to France; it originated in England and Germany at the end of the 18th century. The movement began to take root in France with Lamartine's poetry collection, 'Méditations', published in 1820. The historical backdrop includes the French Revolution, the ensuing years of terror, and the Napoleonic Wars, which shaped the aspirations and disillusionments of the youth during that period.

This term refers to the deep sense of ennui and disenchantment felt by young romantics who yearned for glory but were met with disappointment, leading to a mix of nostalgia and melancholy. Musset’s work, 'La Confession d’un enfant du siècle', captures this sentiment, highlighting the struggles of individuals against the backdrop of their aspirations and societal limitations.

One of the core principles of Romanticism is the 'Culte du Moi', or worship of the self. This reflects the movement’s focus on individual emotions and inner experiences, contrary to Classicism’s emphasis on order and harmony. Romantics sought to express their passions and imaginations freely.

Romanticism involves a longing for 'l’ailleurs', or an elsewhere, which manifests in various ways. Some romantic authors look to the past, as seen in works like 'Notre Dame de Paris' by Victor Hugo, while others draw inspiration from nature, dreams, and the exotic. This search for different realities often reflects a desire to escape dissatisfaction with the present.

Romantic writers also show a fascination for the mysterious and the fantastic, which is vital to the movement. This is evident in the genre known as 'romantisme noir'. Works such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' illustrate this theme. In French literature, the success of Mérimée's 'Vénus d'ille' depicts the fascination with monstrosity and the morbid as represented in characters like Quasimodo from 'Notre Dame de Paris' or Baudelaire's works.

The quest for freedom is pivotal in Romanticism, influencing both artistic expression and the broader lives of authors. They aimed to liberate writing from traditional constraints, blending genres and defying classical rules. This pursuit is evident in theater, where romantic playwrights disregarded the unities and mixed various styles, leading to the evolution of the romantic drama, exemplified by Musset and Hugo's renowned works.