Name: _________________________

Date: _______________________

Block: _________

Classicism vs. Romanticism vs. Transcendentalism!

Sources of
Inspiration

Attitudes and
Interests

Social Concerns

NEOCLASSICISM (Age of Reason

18th Century)
scientific observation of the outside
world
human reason/logic
symmetry, order, clarity
classical Greek and Roman literature
and mythology
pragmatic/practical
interested in science and technology
concerned with general, universal
experiences
believed in following standards and
traditions
felt optimistic about the present
emphasized moderation and selfrestraint
appreciated elegance and refinement

valued stability and harmony

favored a social hierarchy
interested in maintaining an elite
concerned with society as a whole
believed that Nature could be
understood and controlled; Nature as
self-contained machine

ROMANTICISM (19th
Century)
intuition/the inner
perception of truth
ones emotional inner world
human imagination
folklore; superstitions;
literature of the Middle Ages
idealistic
interested in the mysterious
and supernatural
concerned with particular,
unique experiences
sought to develop new forms
of expression
romanticized the past
tended toward excess and
spontaneity
appreciated folk traditions
desired radical change
favored democracy and
populism
concerned with common
people
concerned with the individual
felt that Nature was a
mysterious, powerful force
and should remain untamed;
Nature as organic process

Transcendentalism (19th
Century)
intuition/ the inner
perception of truth
personal emotions
imagination
natural surroundings
optimistic
interested in the spiritual
and the natural
emphasized individualism
and confidence
worked to develop a
unique American culture
rejected Puritan heritage
disapproved of material
wealth
appreciated simplicity
believed in nonconformity
Favored self-reliance and
free-thought
Believed all people are
inherently good
Concerned with the
individual
Felt that nature was part of
an intense connection
among man and God