Victorian era

Hello viewers 👋

Iam Kavita Chauhan a student in the department of English, mkbu.

This Blog is a part of Thinking Activity about the victorian era .

-assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am.

•Q. Pre- Raphaelite school of poetry .

Ans- 

• Introduction: 

The 19th century witnessed a remarkable resurgence of art and literature in Britain, fueled by a desire to escape the perceived artificiality and decadence of the Victorian era. This period gave birth to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists and poets who sought to rekindle the flame of sincerity, nature, and beauty in their works. In this blog, we'll delve into the Pre-Raphaelite school of poetry, exploring its origins, key figures, distinctive characteristics, and lasting impact on the world of literature.

•  Defination:

 The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of young artists and writers of the Victorian era who formed the foundation called the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. With its tenets and principles, the brotherhood was similar to the modern-day fraternities and sororities, but they liked to contemplate literature and art.

• Origins of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood:

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded in 1848 by three young artists: Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais. Dissatisfied with the conventional art and literature of their time, they aimed to return to the artistic ideals of the Italian painter Raphael and the detailed, nature-centric works of the artists who came before him. Their literary counterparts soon joined the movement, setting the stage for a new era of poetry.

• The members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood were: 

Meeting 

• Dante Gabriel Rossetti
• William Michael Rossetti
• William Holman Hunt
• John Everett Millais
• James Collinson
• Frederic George Stephens
• Thomas Woolner.

 Pre-Raphaelite literature:

Literature and art were interwoven in the Pre-Raphaelite tradition. Many Pre-Raphaelite paintings are full of literary allusions and references. As an illustrator, Dante Gabriel Rossetti did collaborative projects with poets like Lord Alfred Tennyson, and his sister Christina Rosetti on their poetry collections. His illustrations display Dante’s creative interpretation of a work, rather than merely visualizing the text.

The Pre-Raphaelite poets include Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Christina Rosetti, and William Morris. The poetry of Dante Gabriel Rosetti continues to be the subject of scholarly investigation. Like their art, Pre-Raphaelite poetry was also criticized for its unconventionality, spirit of decadence, and evocative language. True to its name, Pre-Raphaelite poetry bore similarities to medieval sonnets and ballads, combined with sensuousness and decadence espoused by the movement.

Goblin Market (1862) by Christina Rosetti is a remarkable narrative poem of the Pre-Raphaelite era. It has garnered renewed scholarly interest due to its bold themes and allusions. Modern analysis of this poem focuses on its proto feminist elements and references to repressed feminine sexuality during the Victorian Era.

• Other examples of Pre-Raphaelite poetry:

 My Sister's Sleep,” “The Blessed Damozel,” “Jenny,” “Dante at Verona,” “A Last Confession", “On Mary's Portrait,” “Ave,” “The Bride's Prelude,” by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, published between 1847 and 1848

"The Earthly Paradise" (1868-70) and "The Defence of Guenevere" (1858) by William Morris

Poems and Ballads (1866) by Algernon Charles Swinburne include sensational poems like "Hymn to Proserpine" and "The Triumph of Time".

• Key Figures of Pre-Raphaelite Poetry

Several talented poets emerged from the Pre-Raphaelite movement, each contributing their unique voice and perspective to this revival of art and literature. Here are some of the most notable figures:

1.Dante Gabriel Rossetti:

 As a founding member of the Brotherhood, Rossetti played a pivotal role in shaping Pre-Raphaelite poetry. His works often explored themes of love, beauty, and the mystical. Poems like "The Blessed Damozel" and "Goblin Market" exemplify his poetic prowess.

2.Christina Rossetti: 

The sister of Dante Gabriel, Christina Rossetti is celebrated for her enchanting and emotional poetry. Her verses often depicted the plight of women and explored religious and spiritual themes. "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Remember" are among her renowned pieces.

3.Algernon Charles Swinburne: 

Swinburne's poetry was characterized by its sensuous and vivid imagery. He was unafraid to tackle taboo subjects and was known for his passionate and intense style. His best-known works include "Dolores" and "The Garden of Proserpine."

•  Characteristics of Pre-Raphaelite Poetry

Pre-Raphaelite poetry is characterized by several distinctive features:

    Vivid and Detailed Imagery: 

Pre-Raphaelite poets were masters of vivid and detailed descriptions, often drawing inspiration from nature and the medieval past. Their poetry was filled with lush, colorful imagery.

      A Return to Nature:

 The Pre-Raphaelites had a deep appreciation for nature, and it frequently served as a backdrop for their poems. This focus on the natural world reflected their desire for authenticity.

    Sincerity and Authenticity: 

One of the central tenets of Pre-Raphaelite poetry was the pursuit of sincerity. They sought to cast aside the artificiality and social constraints of their time in favor of genuine emotional expression.

    Emphasis on Symbolism: 

Pre-Raphaelite poetry often featured complex symbolism, allowing readers to explore deeper meanings beyond the surface of the words.

• Pre-Raphaelite style:

Pre-Raphaelite style is characterized by an emphasis on nature, reminiscent of naturalism. They gave importance to fidelity to the object of art, even at the risk of unpleasantness, which drew a lot of criticism. Pre-raphaelite turned to nature to escape the artificiality of forms in the rising industrial age and preferred medieval aesthetics and style

•Legacy of Pre-Raphaelite Poetry:

The Pre-Raphaelite movement had a profound and lasting impact on the world of literature. It paved the way for later literary movements like symbolism and aestheticism. Poets who followed, such as W.B. Yeats and the symbolists, were influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite s' dedication to vivid imagery and symbolism.

End of The pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood disbanded largely due to public criticism and controversy. However, their influence continued and inspired later movements in arts and literature, although Pre-Raphaelite literature does not enjoy the fame other genres and movements now enjoy in literary history

• Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Pre-Raphaelite school of poetry remains a testament to the power of artists and poets who sought to rediscover beauty and sincerity in a rapidly changing world. Their commitment to authenticity and their ability to evoke emotion through vivid imagery continue to inspire and captivate readers and poets alike to this day

Thank you for visiting ☺️

Happy Learning 💫🍀

Words count: 1014

•work cited:

https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english-literature/literary-movements/pre-raphaelite/