The Age of Romanticism Response

Romanticism is, as so many other periods were, a direct response to the world at the time. The text introduces the Romantic era by outlining the dress of the time and how it changed from the era before, as well as what it became in the era following. The text discusses a variety of women writers with Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley, and Jane Austen being common figures. These women shaped the literary era, but were not recognized for this until much later due to their gender, though they penned some of the most influential works in all of history. 

There is an interesting disconnect in the political values of the writers. It seems that most were radical and liberal in their ideas, with the main focus being on inequality, but the text mentions that several authors were considered conservatives at the end of the period. It's also interesting to note that a large number of the authors from this time were privileged themselves, possessing large fortunes or marrying into money. Wealth came along with power, so in some cases these writers were condemning their own standard of living by promoting social equality. 

From reading the overview, I became more interested to read the actual works by some of these women. During this time, women were striving to make their voices and opinions heard in a way that they had never been able to before. The increased liberalism and break from traditions of the past allowed women to speak more freely than in years past, and they took the opportunity to speak out on a large variety of subjects. The Romantic period is one of great political and social upheaval, and that is reflected quite heavily in the works of the time. I have an interest in history as well as in literature, so having the ability to study history through literature is something that greatly interests me.