The impact of the French Revolution on English Romantic Poets.

Initial Enthusiasm and the Promise of Revolution (1789-1792)

The early stages of the French Revolution were greeted with considerable enthusiasm by many English intellectuals, including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They saw in it the potential for a radical restructuring of society based on principles of reason and equality. Wordsworth, during his time in France (1791-1792), was directly exposed to the revolutionary fervor and even fathered a child, Caroline, with Annette Vallon. This experience profoundly shaped his early poetry, evident in works like “Descriptive Sketches” (1793), which reflects a sense of liberation and connection to the natural world, mirroring the revolutionary ideals. Coleridge, along with Robert Southey, even contemplated establishing a utopian community, ‘Pantisocracy’, in America, inspired by the revolutionary spirit of self-governance and communal living.

Disillusionment and the Reign of Terror (1793-1799)

The execution of Louis XVI in 1793 and the subsequent Reign of Terror dramatically altered the English Romantic poets’ perception of the revolution. The violence and political instability led to widespread disillusionment. Coleridge, in particular, became increasingly critical, abandoning his radical political views. Wordsworth’s enthusiasm waned, and his poetry began to reflect a more conservative outlook, focusing on the restorative power of nature and the importance of tradition. The brutality of the revolution prompted a re-evaluation of the limits of reason and the dangers of unchecked revolutionary zeal. This shift is visible in his later works, where the focus moves away from overt political commentary towards introspective explorations of the human psyche.

Complex Engagement and the Napoleonic Era (1799-1815)

The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte presented a new set of challenges for the English Romantics. While some, like Byron, initially admired Napoleon as a figure of heroic rebellion, others viewed him as a tyrant who betrayed the original ideals of the revolution. Lord Byron, in works like “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” (1812-1818), expressed a romantic fascination with revolutionary figures and the struggle for freedom, though his perspective was often tinged with cynicism and a sense of alienation. Percy Bysshe Shelley, a staunch radical, remained committed to the revolutionary cause throughout his life, advocating for social and political reform in poems like “Queen Mab” (1813) and “The Mask of Anarchy” (1819). John Keats, while less directly engaged with political themes, explored the themes of beauty, mortality, and the sublime, which can be seen as a response to the upheaval and uncertainty of the post-revolutionary era.

The Legacy of the Revolution in Romantic Poetry

The French Revolution, despite its tumultuous course, left an indelible mark on English Romantic poetry. It fostered a heightened awareness of social injustice, a celebration of individual liberty, and a profound engagement with the power of imagination. The poets’ responses, ranging from initial enthusiasm to profound disillusionment and complex engagement, reflect the complexities of the revolutionary era. The revolution also contributed to the development of new poetic forms and themes, including the Byronic hero – a rebellious, alienated individual who embodies the spirit of romantic defiance.

Poet	Initial Response	Later Response	Key Works Reflecting Impact
William Wordsworth	Enthusiastic supporter, direct experience in France	Disillusioned, more conservative focus on nature	“Descriptive Sketches”, “The Prelude”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge	Initially supportive, Pantisocracy	Critical, abandoned radical views	“France: An Ode”, “Kubla Khan”
Lord Byron	Admiration for Napoleon, romanticized rebellion	Cynical, alienated, celebrated individual freedom	“Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”, “Don Juan”
Percy Bysshe Shelley	Staunch radical, committed to revolutionary ideals	Continued advocacy for social and political reform	“Queen Mab”, “The Mask of Anarchy”