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1. 
   kimfuji Teacher
   College - Freshman

   eNotes Editor

   The romantics viewed truth and beauty as equal. In their poetry they described everyday objects that the common man or woman would encounter, as opposed to their predecessors who described heaven and religious themes. They were responding to the Enlightenment that preceded them that viewed scientific thought as the basis for all of life. The romantics viewed life in a more simple way accentuating the profoundness in the mundane truths of everyday life. They also were inspired by nature. Keats asserted that truth is beauty and beauty is truth, in "Ode to a Grecian Urn" which came to stand for the tenets of romanticism.

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   Posted by kimfuji on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 6:13 PM
   
   

2. 
   srodgers1029 Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   Several short story writers also emerged during this era, namely Washington Irving with stories such as "The Devil and Tom Walker" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."  These writers adhered to some basic tenets:  Their writing reflected a leaning toward imagination over reason or common sense; they focused on the supernatural; they had an awareness of the past and a deep adherence to the ideals of democracy; and they often focused on inner feelings and emotions.  This desire to create fanciful imaginary worlds and scenarios is in juxtaposition to the trying and stressful world that was their reality.  This view of writing as an escape from reality--as essentially a form of entertainment--was a new outlook for a new America, a people who until this point had focused on religious fervor and mere survival.

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   Posted by srodgers1029 on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 7:39 PM