美国文学选读期末名词解释.docVIP

1. American Romanticism(美国浪漫主义) ①Romanticism refers to an artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late 18th century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual’s expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions. ②The romantic period in American literature stretches from the end of the 18th century through the outbreak of the Civil war. ③Irving, Whitman and Thoreau are the representatives. Background Political background and economic development Romantic movement in European countries Derivative – foreign influence features American romanticism was in essence the expression of “a real new experience and contained “an alien quality” for the simple reason that “the spirit of the place” was radically new and alien. There is American Puritanism as a cultural heritage to consider. American romantic authors tended more to moralize. Many American romantic writings intended to edify more than they entertained. The “newness” of Americans as a nation is in connection with American Romanticism. As a logical result of the foreign and native factors at work, American romanticism was both imitative and independent. 浪漫主义两大主题：爱和大自然的力量 The social and cultural background of Romanticism： ---The young Republic was flourishing into a politically, economically and culturally independent country. ---The Romantic writings revealed unique characteristics of their own in their works and they grew on the native lands. ---The desire for an escape from society and a return to nature became a permanent convention of American literature. ---The American Puritanism as a cultural heritage exerted great influences over American moral values. Romantics frequently shared certain general characteristics: moral enthusiasm, faith in value of individualism and intuitive perception, and a presumption that the natural world