Understanding the Foundations of Romanticism in Literature — Plus 4 Romantasy Book Recs
- May 30
- 7 min read
Romanticism was a profound cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century and blossomed throughout the 19th century. It represented a shift from the rationalism of the Enlightenment to a celebration of emotion, nature, and individual experience. This blog post explores the foundations of Romanticism in literature, highlighting key features, influential figures, and the lasting impact of this captivating movement on modern romantasy novels.
The Origins of Romanticism
Romanticism originated as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the rigid conventions of Neo-classical literature. It arose primarily in Europe, motivated by significant social changes and a growing appreciation for nature, beauty, and emotional depth. The period in which Romanticism flourished was marked by revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, which emphasized liberty, equality, and the power of the individual.
Romantic thinkers emphasized the importance of personal experience and emotional authenticity. They believed that individuals could derive meaning and truth from their feelings, which often stood in stark contrast to the ideals of rationality that characterized prior literary movements.
Key Features of Romanticism
The Romantic literary movement embodies several defining features. Understanding these characteristics will help illuminate the essence of Romantic writing.
Emphasis on Emotion: Romantic literature often prioritizes personal emotions over reason. Writers delved into the depths of the human psyche, capturing the complexity of feelings and individual experience.
Celebration of Nature: The natural world plays an essential role in Romantic literature. Nature is portrayed as a source of inspiration, solace, and reflection, contrasting the chaos of urban life.
Focus on Individualism: Romantic writers championed the individual voice. They believed that every person’s unique perspective adds value to the collective experience, laying the foundation for modern concepts of self-expression.
Interest in the Supernatural: Many Romantic texts feature elements of the supernatural, drawing from folklore and mythology. This exploration of the unknown reflects humanity's fascination with both the mystical and the intangible.
Rebellion Against Conventions: Romantic writers often challenged societal norms and rules, pushing against existing artistic and literary boundaries. This spirit of rebellion is a hallmark of the movement.
Notable Romantic Writers
Romanticism produced a cohort of influential writers whose works defined the movement. Here, we explore several key figures:
William Wordsworth: Often regarded as the father of Romantic poetry, Wordsworth wrote extensively about nature and human emotion. His work "Lyrical Ballads" co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, embodies the Romantic spirit and establishes a new poetic form.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A contemporary of Wordsworth, Coleridge infused his poetry with supernatural elements, as seen in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." His fascination with dreams and the unconscious contributed significantly to Romantic literature.
Mary Shelley: Best known for her novel "Frankenstein," Shelley explored themes of creation, scientific ambition, and the consequences of unchecked human curiosity. Her work encapsulates the Romantic struggle between reason and emotion, as well as the consequences of hubris.
Lord Byron: A leading figure in Romantic poetry, Byron's works exude passion and a sense of heroism. His complex characters and themes of love, loss, and rebellion resonate with the Romantic ethos.
John Keats: Keats is renowned for his lush imagery and exploration of beauty. His odes, including "Ode to a Nightingale," capture transient beauty and the interplay between life and death, capturing the essence of Romantic thought.
Romanticism’s Legacy in Modern Literature
The impact of Romanticism extends far beyond its time. It influenced subsequent movements, like Realism and Modernism, sometimes through contrast and critique. Here are a few ways in which Romantic ideals continue to resonate today:
Theme of Individualism: The focus on personal experience has influenced countless writers. Today, many novels explore the deep narratives of individual lives, emphasizing self-discovery and personal growth.
Nature in Literature: Modern environmental literature continues the Romantic tradition of celebrating the beauty of nature. Authors such as Henry David Thoreau and more recent writers like Aldo Leopold draw inspiration from the Romantic reverence for the natural world.
Exploration of Emotion: Romanticism's emphasis on emotional depth can be seen in contemporary poetry and fiction. Many writers today prioritize authentic emotional experiences, breaking from traditional narrative structures to explore the complexity of human feelings.
Blending Genres: The Romantic era saw experimentation with form and style, a trend that has continued into modern genre-blending literature. We can see how this trend persists, as contemporary authors often fuse elements of fantasy, realism, and horror, creating dynamic narratives that appeal to diverse audiences.
Societal Reflection: Just as Romantic writers responded to their changing world, modern authors often comment on contemporary societal issues. Themes of identity, culture, and the human experience remain central in today’s literature.
Examples of Romanticism in Modern Literature: A Living Legacy in YA and New Adult Romantasy
While Romanticism began as a literary movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, its themes and values continue to echo powerfully in modern storytelling—especially in the popular genre of romantasy (romantic fantasy). Today’s young adult and new adult novels often embody the same reverence for emotional depth, nature’s symbolism, supernatural intrigue, and the triumph of individuality and passion over rigid systems.
This enduring influence proves that Romanticism wasn’t just a historical phase—it’s a mindset, a way of viewing the world through the lens of the heart, imagination, and rebellion.
Many romantasy books tap into these exact ideals, even if unintentionally. Let’s explore four popular titles that channel the Romantic spirit:
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Why it fits Romanticism:
Atmospheric setting: Romantic literature often leans into moody, gothic, or sublime environments (think misty moors, decaying mansions, or enchanted forests). These backdrops reflect emotional states and elevate the tone to something evocative and immersive—very much what Phantasma delivers.
Interest in the Supernatural: Romanticism has always embraced the mystical and otherworldly, and Phantasma thrives in this realm. With necromancy, cursed bloodlines, ghostly apparitions, and magic, the novel leans into the supernatural not just for thrills, but to explore existential themes—life, death, fate, and the unknown.
Focus on Individual Experience: The novel is deeply introspective, chronicling Ophelia’s mental health struggles (including vivid depictions of OCD) and emotional evolution. Romanticism often champions the individual’s internal world, and Phantasma is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling rooted in personal truth.
Morally complex characters: Romanticism rebels against black-and-white moralism. It thrives on emotional ambiguity and inner conflict. Characters like Blackwell, who struggle with darkness and desire, are perfect examples of Romantic heroes and heroines.
Verdict: With its moody, gothic setting, emotionally conflicted characters, and intense exploration of forbidden love, Phantasma channels the core of Romanticism—where beauty is born from longing, rebellion, and the haunting power of emotion.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Why it fits Romanticism:
Emphasis on Emotion: Quicksilver is soaked in emotional intensity—grief, desire, rage, fear, and above all, love. Romanticism prizes deep, often turbulent emotions as a path to truth. Callie Hart’s characters embody this fully.
Rebellion Against Conventions: The protagonists defy societal expectations, break laws, and operate outside moral gray zones. Romantic heroes often exist on the fringe, challenging norms—and Kingfisher and Saeris certainly fit that mold.
Focus on Individual Experience: The story is very internal and character-driven. Both protagonists wrestle with personal demons, trauma, and desire, which aligns with Romanticism’s belief that truth is found within the self.
The Byronic Hero: Kingfisher is peak Byronic hero—dark, brooding, dangerous, emotionally tortured, and morally complex. He could’ve stepped straight out of a Lord Byron poem or a Brontë novel.
Verdict: This story embodies the darker, more psychological side of Romanticism—particularly in its emotional depth, individualism, and Byronic hero archetype.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Why it fits Romanticism:
Raw emotional introspection: Juliette’s voice is poetic, fragmented, and intensely personal. The style in which her inner thoughts are expressed on the page is unique, demonstrating a breakaway from convention and embracing poetry.
Rebellion and identity: In Shatter Me, Juliette must battle a dystopian system to claim her own agency showcasing Romanticism’s obsession with freedom, emotion, and individual conscience.
Unusual supernatural powers: Her lethal touch is both curse and gift—emphasizing the theme of isolation and misunderstood power.
Romantic obsession: Deep, brooding love interests and passionate tension highlight Romantic ideals of intense, even painful, love. Aaron Warner is a perfect example of the morally grey hero with emotionally obsessive tendencies.
Verdict: The poetic language and emotional vulnerability in this series echo the Romantic belief in the power of feeling over logic.
Dissent by Josephine Lamont
Why it fits Romanticism:
Emotion over Reason: Mara’s internal struggle—her longing for freedom, love, and identity—centers emotion as the driving force of her actions. The story explores intense emotional states like fear, passion, confusion, and desire, rather than relying on logic or rigid ideology.
Rebellion Against Systems: The central plot revolves around defying a corrupt, oppressive regime. This directly mirrors Romanticism’s celebration of revolution and defiance of societal norms.
Individualism and Inner Truth: Mara’s journey is deeply personal. She learns to question her upbringing, challenge what she’s been taught, and listen to her own instincts—an ode to Romanticism’s belief in self-discovery.
Love and the Sublime: The romance elements (especially the love triangle) evoke the Romantic tradition of exploring deep, often tumultuous love that transforms the characters involved.
Verdict: With an emphasis on the beauty of nature, rebellion, and individual discovery, Dissent is definitely Romantic in tone and theme.
Lasting Impressions of Romanticism
Romanticism profoundly changed the landscape of literature. By emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, this movement has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire writers and readers alike. The themes and sentiments originated during this time resonate in countless works today, reminding us of the importance of the human experience in its many forms.
Our modern examples above (i.e. Phantasma, Quicksilver, Shatter Me, and Dissent) show that Romanticism isn’t just about poets in the English countryside—it’s about how emotion, rebellion, and beauty shape our experience of the world. Whether through fae kingdoms or dystopian futures, romantasy authors continue to carry the torch of Romantic ideals, inviting readers to feel deeply, dream boldly, and fall wildly in love.
So Why Does It Matter?
Understanding the foundations of Romanticism in literature deepens our appreciation for the artistry and insights of its writers. It encourages us to engage with our emotions, explore the beauty around us, and embrace the individual stories that shape our lives.
In a world increasingly influenced by technology and rationality, the lessons of Romanticism remind us of the value of passion and the beauty that can arise from individual expression. Whether through poetry, fiction, or essays, the spirit of Romanticism continues to thrive, inviting us to explore the depths of our hearts and the wonders of the world.
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