Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What characterizes romanticism as a literary movement?

1. Tradition and strict rules

2. Focus on emotion, nature, and individuality

3. Critique of ordinary life

4. Reliance on scientific reasoning

The correct answer is: Focus on emotion, nature, and individuality

Romanticism is characterized primarily by its emphasis on emotion, nature, and individuality. This movement, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, sought to break away from the constraints of rationalism and the rigid structures of preceding literary forms. Romantics believed that human emotions and the beauty of the natural world were central to the human experience. They valued individual expression and the exploration of inner feelings, often elevating personal introspection and imagination above societal conventions and norms. Nature was not just a backdrop in Romantic literature; it served as a source of inspiration and a subject of profound emotional resonance. The relationship between humanity and the natural world was often idealized, with nature providing solace, beauty, and a reflection of human emotions. This contrast to traditional literary movements is evident in how Romantic writers approached their subjects. Instead of adhering to strict forms and rules, they experimented with various styles and themes, prioritizing personal experience and emotional depth. The movement also often celebrated the individual, elevating the unique perspective of the artist as one who communicates profound truths about existence and emotion. The other options represent characteristics more aligned with other literary movements or philosophies rather than the core tenets of Romanticism.