Prominence of Desire and Loss in Romantic Literature Essay

The Prominence of Desire and Loss in Romantic Literature Romanticism is defined as â€Å"a sweeping but indispensable modern term applied to the profound shift in Western attitudes to art and human creativity that dominated much of European culture in the first half of the 19th century, and that has shaped most subsequent developments in literature--even those reacting against it† (Baldick). Though the time period that American Romanticism spans is rather vast and many of the literary works that spark out of this movement are unique in themselves, various unifying elements are present in these texts that categorize them as Romantic works. These elements, sometimes referred to as the â€Å"Romantic Spirit,† consist of principles such†¦show more content†¦Desire first presents itself in this letter by Columbus’ longing to conquer the land. This can be seen as he states, â€Å"And there I found very many islands filled with people innumerable, and of them all I have taken possession for their high ness, by proclamation made and with the royal standard unfurled, and no opposition was offered to me† (Columbus, â€Å"Luis† 12). Certainly, it is noticeable that Columbus enjoys this conquering of the land, especially in the latter portion of the statement, as he seems to offer the information about having no opposition as a tribute to his own greatness. Yet, his desire does not end here. Despite his excitement over the discovery and naming of these islands, it is no longer enough for him, and desire for more land tugs at his heart. Columbus, as if some land from afar is calling out to him, sends two of his men â€Å"inland to learn if there were a king or great cities† (Columbus, â€Å"Luis† 12). When they return with no news of such a land, desire rears its head again. Although he could have given up after their findings, Columbus decides not to do so. Instead, he follows the island’s coastline eastward and discovers another island, which he names â€Å"Espaà ±ola† (Columbus, â€Å"Luis† 12). Columbus views this island as the completeness of nature, meaning the total convergence of anything that people could hope for in their dreams. He describes Espaà ±ola with an utmostShow MoreRelatedThe New Idea Of Romanticism1745 Words   |  7 Pagesrevolution. Nostalgia became a topic, desire and will for personal motivation was accentuated, and this era became a profound social and cultural change that radically transformed everyday lives. Many individuals in this time liberated changes in the arts, like William Wordsworth, a writer born in 1770, who was one of the most prominent writers in the Romantic Era who stressed nature, and paid close attention to the physical world. 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