In everything from love to money, to childhood and nature, the Romantic movement of the 17 and 1800’s have shaped the way we look at the world today.
Year 10AR have been appreciating this recently as they embarked on their study of the English Romantic Poets. Students were invited to reflect on just how “romantic” they really were, with some surprising discoveries!
Emily in Year 10 said that she is, at core, a Romantic, asking the really relevant question (particularly as we get back to the hard work of term!) why should we work painstakingly “just to pay bills”? Inspired by the majestic landscapes of American painter Thomas Cole, Emily finds our urban environment dull and even harmful.
In contrast, another Year 10 student Melinda has been scared off by Romanticism. She strongly disagrees with the moral lesson of Goethe’s famous Romantic novel, ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, that "it is always right and noble to follow your heart". She “strongly disagrees” with Wether’s romantic impracticality, citing the harsh and unwelcome results of really living life being led by your heart rather than your head.
Lastly, Amelia in Year 10 thinks that there “should be a balance within finding peace with one's self that does include the surrounds of nature without the city in the background.” Finding peace in ourselves and our environment without tearing down all the advantages and conveniences of modern life. Now, there’s a vision we can call get behind!
Mr John Williams
Year 8 Advisor – Secondary School Teacher, English