British Romanticism and Denmark

British Romanticism and Denmark explores the idea of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, rooted in the Classical Scandinavian past, and how it played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

British Romanticism and Denmark provide valuable insights into the articulation of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, rooted in the Classical Scandinavian past. This study, by encompassing a diverse range of Nordic and Anglophone scholarship, offers fresh perspectives on British, Danish, and European Romanticisms, as well as the intricate relationship between these movements.

The concept of a Northern cultural identity, which was articulated during the British Romantic period, played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both Britain and Denmark. This identity was characterized by a shared heritage, language, and cultural traditions that traced back to the ancient Scandinavian civilizations.

In Britain, Romanticism emerged as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the urbanization of society. The Romantics sought to escape the constraints of modernity and return to a simpler, more naturalistic way of life. They were drawn to the beauty of the countryside, the power of nature, and the influence of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

One of the key figures in British Romanticism was William Wordsworth, who is widely regarded as the father of English poetry. Wordsworth's poetry celebrated the beauty of the natural world and the importance of human connection with it. He wrote about the joys of simple pleasures, such as walking in the countryside or watching the sunset, and expressed a deep appreciation for the natural world's power and beauty.

Another important figure in British Romanticism was John Keats, who is known for his passionate and romantic poetry. Keats's poetry was filled with images of love, beauty, and the supernatural, and he expressed a deep longing for a more idealized world. He wrote about the power of imagination and the ability of art to capture the essence of the human experience.

In Denmark, Romanticism also emerged as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the urbanization of society. The Danes were also drawn to the beauty of the countryside and the power of nature, and they sought to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions.

One of the key figures in Danish Romanticism was Hans Christian Andersen, who is known for his fairy tales and children's stories. Andersen's stories were filled with imagination, wonder, and moral lessons, and they were widely popular in both Denmark and abroad.

In addition to their literary contributions, British and Danish Romanticists also made significant contributions to the development of Romantic nationalism. They expressed a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and a desire to promote their national identity. They also sought to create a sense of unity and community among their fellow citizens, and they used literature and art to promote these values.

One of the key themes of Romantic nationalism was the idea of the "noble savage." Romanticists believed that there was a natural, primitive essence to human nature that was often corrupted by the forces of civilization. They sought to return to a simpler, more naturalistic way of life, and they idealized the "noble savage" as a symbol of this ideal.

In Britain, Romantic nationalism was expressed in the works of writers such as Thomas Carlyle and John Stuart Mill. Carlyle wrote about the "great man" theory, which emphasized the importance of individualism and heroism. He believed that the British Empire was a great nation because of its unique history, culture, and values, and he sought to promote these values through his writing.

In Denmark, Romantic nationalism was expressed in the works of writers such as Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg. Ibsen wrote about the social and political struggles of the working class, and he expressed a deep concern for the welfare of his fellow citizens. Strindberg wrote about the supernatural and the spiritual, and he expressed a deep longing for a more idealized world.

In conclusion, British Romanticism and Denmark provide valuable insights into the articulation of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, rooted in the Classical Scandinavian past. This study, by encompassing a diverse range of Nordic and Anglophone scholarship, offers fresh perspectives on British, Danish, and European Romanticisms, as well as the intricate relationship between these movements. The concept of a Northern cultural identity played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries, and it continues to influence contemporary cultural and political discourse.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474498234