Dark Romanticism

1. Dark Romanticism By: Alex Veselinovic 5/13/12

2. What will be covered: • Introduction to Dark Romanticism • The Social Conditions • The Political Conditions • The Religious Conditions • The Artistic Conditions • Famous Authors • Edgar Allan Poe • Poe’s Famous Works • Herman Melville • Melville’s Famous Works • How Dark Romanticism Influences the Times

3. Introduction • Dark Romanticism was essentially a rebellion to the Transcendentalism period. • They were against optimism and happiness and focused more on sin, pain, and self-destruction.

4. Social Conditions • Many people were opposed to the pessimistic views of Dark Romanticism. • The times during the Dark Romantics were grim and dull. • Dark Romanticism uses this to create it’s work.

5. Political Conditions • Free thinking was not widely accepted in the Dark Romantic period. • Also, the pessimistic theme of it frightened people. • Some people did not like the pessimism and wanted to be happy.

6. Religious Conditions • Dark Romantics were focused on the dark side of the mind and more toward the physical side of a person rather than the spiritual. • The times were not very religious either.

7. Artistic Conditions • Sin and evil were very popular themes in arts. • Creatures were also influential to the culture of arts. • A few examples are monsters and vampires.

8. Famous Authors • Edgar Allan Poe • Herman Melville

9. Edgar Allan Poe • Edgar Allan Poe is the most famous example of the Dark Romantic era. • His stories were very mysterious and dark.

10. Poe’s Famous Works • His most famous works are: • “The Raven” • “Tell-Tale Heart” • “Cask of Amontillado”

11. Why are these works famous? • These works are very mysterious. • They give a sense of fear and terror. • They are very dark and grim.

12. Herman Melville • Melville was a very famous author of this period. • His books acquired a lot of attention. • He soon lost his fame after he died. • However, he gained it back during the “Melville Revival”. • He is known as one of America’s most significant authors.

13. Melville’s Famous Works • Melville’s most famous works are: • Moby-Dick • White Jacket • Crarel

14. Why are these works famous? • They are very atmospheric. • They have a lot of imagery. • They give a lot of detail on how life was.

15. How Dark Romantics influenced the Times • Dark Romantics was very influential to the development of several arts. • Horror is a significant example. • Creatures were also emphasized during this time.

16. Horror • This genre was populated in this period. • The dark nature and pessimistic views were very important in it’s popularity. • Many famous books were created. • It also influenced horror and thriller movies.

17. Significant Works • Some significant works that were influenced by Dark Romanticism are: • Dracula • Frankenstein

18. Significant Authors • Some significant authors that were influenced by Dark Romanticism are: • Stephen King • Dram Stoker

19. Creatures • Some creatures that were influenced by Dark Romanticism are: • Vampires • Werewolves • Ghouls • Devils

20. The End