The Age of Romanticism Response

Politically, the Age of Romanticism brought with it a shift in social structure when the lower class began to rise in wealth and landholdings due to their inclusion in business. Women played an active role in the literary movement of the Romantic period, contributing to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and politics. More literature was released demanding better, equal treatment of the classes and women. Romanticism was spurred on and characterized by the revolutions taking place during this time period, particularly the French and Industrial Revolutions.

Many of the women writers of the Romantic Age were popular and well respected during their time. Not only did they contribute to fiction, but they were also channeling their creativity and insight into political avenues, as well. The passage mentions Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women as one such example of this extension into the political realm by the women of this time period. Later, we see Jane Austen’s satirical Pride and Prejudice being discussed in regards to the shift in social structure during the Industrial Revolution and the consequences for the reputation of the lower class moving up. While Pride and Prejudice is a work of fiction, it's interesting to note the inclusion of such relevant political themes present within Austen's work.

After reading “The Age of Romanticism” I find I am highly impressed and excited to learn more about these women who broke social barriers in order to play in the ring with some of the “big boys” who were writing during this time. These women helped pave the way for women to be allowed to express their creativity and insight in the same areas as their male counterparts.