The Evolution of Romanticism: From an Opposition to Capitalism to a part of it.

Abstract

This paper traces Romanticism's evolution from its origins as a movement opposing industrialisation, classism, and The Age of Enlightenment to its current form, where it lies entangled with capitalist culture. Through literary analysis, this essay juxtaposes classic Romantic poetry, such as Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," to what the author considers to be a more contemporary form of Romanticism: music, such as Charli xcx's song "Everything is romantic." The study argues that, while the two highlight heightened feeling and appreciation for everyday mundanities, modern manifestations of Romanticism are produced by commodification and a need for instant gratification, demonstrating capitalism's widespread influence. The paper shows how authenticity and inwardness that were essential for early Romanticism, as stated by Hegel, have evolved into manufactured and consumable experiences in today's post-industrial world. Finally, the paper establishes that Romanticism has not vanished, but has rather been absorbed and repurposed by capitalistic processes, raising concerns about the viability of true feeling and thought in a commodified world.