Idealization

Definition

Idealization is the process of representing something in an ideal or perfect form, often emphasizing positive qualities while downplaying or ignoring flaws. In literature, particularly in Romantic and Victorian works, idealization often manifests in the portrayal of characters, settings, and themes that reflect an elevated or romanticized vision of reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Romantic literature, idealization often elevates nature and rural life, presenting them as more authentic compared to industrial urban environments.
2. Victorian writers frequently idealized family values and social morality, reflecting contemporary societal beliefs while sometimes ignoring underlying issues like poverty and inequality.
3. Characters are often portrayed with heroic qualities in both Romantic and Victorian works, emphasizing their virtues while glossing over their flaws or complexities.
4. Idealization can lead to a disconnection from reality, as it creates expectations that may not align with the complexities of actual human experience.
5. This tendency towards idealization in literature can serve as a critique of society by contrasting idealized figures against the harsh realities faced by individuals.

Review Questions

• How does idealization in Romantic literature reflect the movement's values and goals?
  • Idealization in Romantic literature reflects the movement's emphasis on emotion and individual experience. By portraying nature and characters in an idealized light, Romantic writers sought to evoke deep feelings and inspire readers to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. This approach aligns with Romanticism's goal of elevating personal perception and emotional response above rationality, showcasing an idealized version of life that resonates with readers' aspirations.
• Discuss how Victorian literature's use of idealization impacts its portrayal of social issues.
  • Victorian literature's use of idealization often serves to highlight social issues while presenting an ideal vision of morality and family life. Writers portrayed characters embodying virtues like kindness and loyalty, creating a moral framework for readers. However, this approach can obscure harsher realities such as poverty or inequality, as idealized narratives may distract from the underlying social problems that need addressing. In this way, Victorian literature critiques societal norms while simultaneously reinforcing them through its portrayals.
• Evaluate the role of idealization in shaping cultural perceptions of heroism in both Romantic and Victorian literature.
  • The role of idealization in shaping cultural perceptions of heroism is significant in both Romantic and Victorian literature. By presenting heroes with heightened virtues—courage, nobility, and selflessness—these literary movements created archetypes that influenced societal expectations of heroism. This can lead to a simplified understanding of what it means to be heroic, often neglecting the complexities and imperfections inherent in real-life figures. Consequently, idealized portrayals contribute to a cultural narrative that values unattainable standards over authentic human experiences.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past, often leading to idealized portrayals of heroes and landscapes.

Sentimentalism: A literary genre that focuses on eliciting emotional responses from the audience, often through idealized depictions of love, morality, and virtue.

Chivalry:

A code of conduct associated with medieval knighthood that emphasizes ideals such as honor, bravery, and courtly love, often romanticized in literature.