1. Emphasis on Personal Emotion and Subjectivity: The Romantic poets believed that genuine poetry should spring from the poet's own heartfelt emotions, experiences, and subjectivity. They rejected the notion of poetry as a mere imitation of classical or established poetic conventions and saw poetry as a medium for personal expression and emotional catharsis.
2. Celebration of the Individual Poet: In contrast to the previous era's emphasis on poets following poetic rules and traditions, the Romantic theory elevated the individual genius of the poet. Poets were seen as unique, original, and inspired beings capable of accessing deeper insights into the human condition and nature.
3. Focus on the Inner Self: Romantic poets explored their inner selves and delved into their own psychological states, dreams, and imaginative worlds as sources of poetic inspiration. This emphasis on the interiority of the individual mind fostered a greater understanding of the complexities of the human psyche.
4. Rejection of Societal Conventions: Romantic poets often challenged social norms, conventions, and institutions that stifled individual freedom. They believed that true poetry transcended societal constraints and allowed poets to express their authentic selves without fear of censure or judgment.
5. Celebration of Nature: The Romantic period witnessed a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of nature. Poets found inspiration in the natural world, which they saw as a source of mystery, wonder, and spiritual connection. Nature became a symbol of the individual's ability to transcend the limitations of societal structures and experience a deeper sense of self-connection.
6. Role of Imagination: The Romantic theory of poetry emphasized the power of the individual imagination as a transformative force. Imagination allowed poets to break away from the mundane and explore realms of wonder, mystery, and the untapped potential of human experience.
By embracing individualism and valuing the unique perspectives and emotions of the poet, the Romantic theory of poetry helped shape the early nineteenth-century cultural shift toward a greater focus on the exploration of the individual self and the celebration of personal experience and expression.