The Romantics: The Avengers of Classic Literature

Posted by Maria Vicente

The Romantics were the superheroes of 18th century literature. These poets wrote about nature, emotions, and personal themes when the current trends favored Enlightenment ideals (scientific thought, skepticism, and intellect).

This group of men used their collective power of colloquial language to create poetry that emphasized intuition and the pastoral. Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, and Keats banded together to form the Romantics: the Avengers of classic literature.

William Blake
Super Power: Prophetic Prose
Motto: “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”

William Wordsworth
Super Power: Self-Reflection
Motto: “The mind of man is a thousand times more beautiful than the earth on which he dwells.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Super Power: Suspension of Disbelief
Motto: “Good and bad men are each less so than they seem.”

Lord Byron
Super Power: Aristocracy
Motto: “The great object of life is sensation – to feel that we exist, even though in pain.”

Percy Shelley
Super Power: Radicalism
Motto: “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

John Keats
Super Power: Sensuality
Motto: “I want a brighter word than bright.”

Maria Vicente is a literary agent intern living in Ottawa, Canada. She likes coffee, books, snail mail, and magic. You can find her on Twitter (@MsMariaVicente) or check out her website (mariavicente.com)