A Classics Challenge May Prompt -- Literary Movement

Thursday, May 17, 2012

I'll be honest -- I don't know much about literary movements. In general, I just read books that sound good and either enjoy them or don't. Thus, I have no idea as I type this which movement Les Miserables is a piece of. Actually that's a lie -- I have a vague idea that it is a Romantic novel from skimming the footnotes of the book. Sparknotes will provide the answer! (Drumroll...) Ah yes. Sparknotes kindly reveals that Hugo is a leader of the Romantic literary movement. On to the questions, which I will answer to the best of my (ever limited) ability.

Level 1
What literary movement is the prose or poetry you're reading from? What are the values or ideals of the movement? Name other writers of the movement.

Ooh, I just noticed that November's Autumn kindly provided a reference list of websites!! *Brings November's Autumn virtual cookies in gratitude.* As aforementioned, Les Miserables is a Romantic literary work. According to Sparknotes (once again), Romanticism is characterized by a celebration of "spontaneity, imagination, subjectivity, and the purity of nature." Other authors of this genre that I personally enjoy include Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Another well-known and stereotypical Romantic author (whom I have never read) is Lord Byron. From personal experience, now that I am slightly more aware of what Romanticism is, I would say that like Romantic classical music (with which I am infinitely more familiar), Romantic literature is not afraid of excess. Passion, drama, and above all, being ruled by your heart, whether that is in affairs of love or ambition, seem to rule Romantic works. 

Level 2
How has the story reflected the ideals of the movement? Are you encouraged to read more works within the movement or move away from it?


I would say Les Miserables is reflective of the movement, even in the more didactic sections. Hugo writes with great passion and energy about the different political divisions in the France of his era, the loves and hates of his characters, and (in true Romantic character) the scenery of his tale, although much of it takes place in the city. 


I am encouraged to read more works in this movement. I must admit at times I tend to excess of emotions and drama myself, so I am enjoying this movement quite a bit. 

6 comments:

  1. I'm glad the links were helpful! I don't know very much about literary movements either, part of why I choose it as this month's theme. Thanks for participating, Lorren! :)

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    1. Thanks for posting the questions! I've enjoyed learning something every time.

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  2. Les Mis is on my must read list, though I probably won't get to it until 2013. Hope you're enjoying it!

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    1. I am! I hope you enjoy it once you have the chance to read it.

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  3. Working on this challenge, I just realised that there are so many movements in literary! Thanks to Katherine for hosting this challenge.

    Romanticism is one of my favorite movement, besides naturalism. For Hugo, I like Hunchback of Notre Dame too (more than Les Mis actually).

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    1. I enjoyed Hunchback of Notre Dame as well although Les Mis still holds the highest place in my heart as far as Hugo goes. :)

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