Exhibit:

Dark Romanticism

Preview of images

Part of Group:

Thiel College ENG 235 Sp24

This gallery will introduce Dark Romanticism, a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, explored the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural. Writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville delved into themes of madness, death, and the unknown, creating works that were both haunting and thought-provoking. One of the key elements of Dark Romanticism was its focus on the individual's inner turmoil and struggle with their own demons. Characters often grappled with guilt, obsession, and inner darkness, reflecting the anxieties and fears of society at the time.Through their exploration of these themes, Dark Romantic writers challenged traditional notions of morality and explored the complexities of human psychology. These works continue to captivate readers today with their eerie atmospheres and psychological depth.

Images in this Exhibit

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe is often considered one of the most iconic figures in the literary movement known as Dark Romanticism. This genre of literature emerged in the 19th century as a reaction to the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized optimism, idealism, and the belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. Dark Romanticism, on the other hand, focused on the darker aspects of human nature, the irrational, the grotesque, and the supernatural, (Barzan.) Edgar Allan Poe's works epitomize this genre, and his dark and often macabre tales have left a lasting impact on literature and popular...
Der Nachtmar

Henry Fuseli, a Swiss-born artist who lived in England during the late 18th century, was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement. His work often delved into themes of the supernatural, the macabre, and the subconscious mind, (Paulson.) A key figure in this movement whose work "Der Nachtmahr" is a perfect example of dark romanticism. This is one of the most famous works displaying dark romanticism. Painted in 1781, this haunting and surrealistic work depicts a woman lying in bed, seemingly asleep, while a demonic creature...
Transcendentalism

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement that emerged in the United States in the early 19th century. This philosophical and literary movement was a reaction against the prevailing materialism and rationalism of the time, emphasizing the inherent goodness of both people and nature, and advocating for personal growth and independence, (Tikkanen.) The transcendentalist movement was deeply rooted in American cultural history and had a significant impact on the development of American thought and literature. 
This movement had a profound influence on the...
Herman Melville

Herman Melville is often considered one of the key figures of the dark romanticism movement in American literature. In order to understand Melville's relationship to dark romanticism, it is important to consider the historical context in which he wrote. Melville was born in 1819, a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The country was grappling with issues such as slavery, industrialization, and westward expansion, and many writers of the time were deeply affected by these turbulent events. Melville's writing reflects this sense of turmoil and uncertainty, as he...