Q1. Explain the basic characteristics of British Romantic Poetry.
- Romantic poetry prioritizes subjective emotion and imaginative power over pure reason.
- Focus on individualism, the unique 'self', and the awe-inspiring experience of the Sublime in nature.
- Nature is revered as a spiritual guide, source of truth, solace, and a living, teaching entity.
- Fascination with the supernatural, mystery, folklore, dreams, and exotic, non-rational realms.
Answer: British Romantic Poetry, flourishing from the late 18th to the mid-19th century (c. 1789-1832), emerged as a potent reaction against the preceding Neoclassical Age's emphasis on reason, order, and societal norms. It initiated a profound shift in literary thought, prioritizing emotion, imagination, and individual experience over strict adherence to classical rules. This movement fundamentally redefined the purpose and subject matter of poetry. ### Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination A core char...