Romantic Ideals
Romantic writers believed emotions were very important.
True or False?
True
Who wrote London?
William Blake.
Who creates the Creature? AND How old was Shelley when she died?
Victor Frankenstein. 53
What historical period was Romanticism reacting against?
The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution.
What modern issue today links to Romantic ideas about protecting nature?
Climate change / environmental activism / pollution.
Name one thing Romantics criticised.
Answer: Industrialisation / oppression / social injustice / corruption of power.
What is repeated in the first stanza of the poem that suggests control?
“Charter’d”.
What motivates Victor to create life?
Ambition / desire for glory / scientific curiosity.
What does “Industrialisation” mean?
Growth of factories and machines replacing manual labour.
How does social media show Romantic ideas about individuality?
It encourages self-expression and personal identity.
What is the Sublime in Romanticism?
A powerful feeling of awe, fear, or wonder when faced with something vast or overwhelming (often in nature).
What does “mind-forg’d manacles” suggest?
Psychological oppression; people are trapped by beliefs and systems.
How is the Creature presented as an outsider?
Rejected, isolated, misunderstood.
Why might Blake criticise the Church in London?
He believed it ignored suffering and supported power structures.
Why might a modern protest movement be considered Romantic? Give an example
Because it challenges authority and fights against injustice.
How is the idea of the “outsider” Romantic?
Romantics focused on isolated individuals who struggle against society.
Why does Blake use the image of the chimney-sweeper?
To show child exploitation and social injustice.
How is nature used dramatically in the play?
Storms reflect chaos and emotional turmoil.
Why was scientific discovery controversial in the 19th century?
It challenged religion and moral boundaries.
How could a modern scientist or tech billionaire be seen as a “Romantic outsider”? Give an example?
They may be presented as a visionary genius who challenges society, but also risks dangerous ambition (like Victor).
Explain how both Blake and Shelley explore the dangers of power.
Blake shows social/political oppression; Pullman shows scientific ambition and moral irresponsibility.
How does Blake present anger in the poem?
Through repetition, harsh imagery, emotive language, and accusatory tone.
How does Shelley use Victor to criticise dangerous ambition?
Shelley presents Victor’s ambition as reckless and morally blind, suggesting that the pursuit of glory without responsibility leads to destruction.
How does Romanticism challenge authority? Give an example
It questions monarchy, church, science, and social systems
“Romanticism is more relevant today than ever.”
Do you agree? Explain using one example from modern society and one from either London or Frankenstein.
Romanticism is highly relevant today because issues like environmental destruction mirror Blake’s criticism of industrial society. Similarly, modern technological ambition reflects Victor’s dangerous obsession with progress. This shows Romantic concerns about power and responsibility still matter.