Sentimentalism

Definition

Sentimentalism is a literary and artistic movement that emphasizes emotion, sensitivity, and the exploration of the human experience, often valuing feelings over reason. This movement is closely associated with Romanticism, which elevates individual emotions and the beauty of nature, as well as a deep appreciation for the sublime. Sentimentalism often seeks to evoke feelings of compassion and empathy in the audience, pushing them to connect with the characters or subjects on an emotional level.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, coinciding with Romanticism, and shared its focus on emotional depth and individual experience.
2. Works that embody sentimentalism often feature strong moral themes, showcasing characters who undergo emotional struggles that resonate with readers or viewers.
3. The movement highlights the importance of personal feelings in art and literature, often contrasting the cold rationality of Enlightenment thought.
4. Sentimentalism played a significant role in the development of genres such as melodrama and romantic poetry, which sought to evoke intense emotional reactions.
5. Key figures associated with sentimentalism include writers like Samuel Richardson and Jane Austen, whose works emphasize moral dilemmas and emotional growth.

Review Questions

• How does sentimentalism reflect the ideals of Romanticism regarding emotion and individual experience?
  • Sentimentalism aligns closely with Romanticism by prioritizing emotion over reason and focusing on individual experiences. Both movements celebrate the depth of human feeling, showcasing characters who navigate complex emotional landscapes. While Romanticism is broader in scope, sentimentalism specifically aims to evoke compassion and empathy through relatable narratives, encouraging audiences to connect emotionally with the characters or themes presented.
• In what ways did sentimentalism influence literary genres like melodrama and romantic poetry?
  • Sentimentalism significantly shaped literary genres such as melodrama and romantic poetry by emphasizing emotional intensity and moral complexity. Melodramas often feature exaggerated emotions and clear moral conflicts, making them ideal for conveying sentimental ideals. Similarly, romantic poetry utilizes vivid imagery and personal expression to evoke strong feelings, drawing readers into an intimate exploration of love, loss, and longing that reflects the core values of sentimentalism.
• Evaluate the impact of sentimentalism on contemporary art forms and its relevance in today's cultural landscape.
  • Sentimentalism has left a lasting impact on contemporary art forms by continuing to influence how emotions are expressed across various mediums. In today’s cultural landscape, we see a resurgence of interest in narratives that prioritize empathy and personal connection, evident in films, literature, and visual arts that tackle social issues through deeply emotional storytelling. This ongoing relevance highlights how sentimentalism encourages audiences to engage with their own feelings while fostering a sense of shared humanity.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Sublime:

A concept in aesthetics referring to an experience that inspires awe and wonder, often associated with nature's beauty and power, transcending ordinary experiences.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, often central to sentimental works that aim to evoke strong emotional responses from their audience.