Romanticism Reimagined: Beyond the Verse
March 2023
University of Cambridge
Introduction
Dive into the fascinating world of Romantic poetry with a twist! Mathelinda Nabugodi, a scholar from the University of Cambridge, is shaking the archives, revealing how the shadows of colonialism and the slave trade shaped the era's most celebrated verses. From Byron's paradoxical friendships to Wordsworth's questionable accommodations, Nabugodi's journey challenges the traditional narrative, urging us to see Romanticism through a lens tinted by the Atlantic slave trade. Her upcoming book, The Trembling Hand, promises to be a personal and profound exploration of these revelations. Get ready to view poetry in a whole new light!
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Unraveling the Tapestry of History and Poetry
Imagine diving into the vibrant world of poetry, where emotions run wild, and freedom is the ultimate quest. Now, picture this against the backdrop of the dark and tumultuous times of colonialism and the slave trade. This is where the realms of Romantic poetry and the Black Atlantic intertwine, offering a rich tapestry of history, literature, and critical thought that stretches far beyond the classroom. It's not just about old poems or historical facts; it's about understanding how the quest for liberty and the horrors of bondage have shaped some of the most beautiful words ever written. For you, this exploration could be a gateway to seeing the world through a different lens, recognizing the power of words in shaping our understanding of freedom, and perhaps, inspiring you to voice your thoughts on what liberty means in today's world.
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Romanticism
A movement in art, literature, and music during the late 18th to early 19th century, focusing on emotion, nature, and individualism, as a reaction against the industrial revolution and rationalism.
Black Atlantic
A term that refers to the shared history, culture, and struggles of people of African descent in the Atlantic world, particularly related to the transatlantic slave trade and its aftermath.
Colonialism
The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Chattelhood
A term that refers to the state of being considered personal property or a chattel (an item of property other than real estate).
Canonical
Works of literature, art, or music that are traditionally accepted as the most important and influential, forming the 'canon.'
Archival objects
Items or documents of historical or cultural significance preserved in archives, such as manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings of historical figures.
Independent Research Ideas
The influence of colonialism on Romantic poets
Investigate how the colonial era and its ideologies influenced the themes and works of Romantic poets. This could involve a deep dive into their writings, personal correspondences, and the socio-political context of their times.
Objects telling stories
Explore how personal objects of poets, like Shelley's baby rattle or Coleridge's self-portrait, can offer unique insights into their lives, thoughts, and the era they lived in. This could lead to an interesting project on the role of material culture in understanding literary history.
The role of ledgers in history
Examine how ledgers, beyond their financial records, tell stories of control, trade, and human lives during the colonial period. A comparison between the library ledger and slave ship ledgers could reveal stark realities of the time.
Reclaiming spaces
Research how museums, universities, and literary archives are addressing their colonial pasts and what steps they are taking to make these spaces inclusive and representative of the diverse histories they hold. This could involve case studies of specific institutions.
The intersection of literature and emancipation debates
Study how debates on slavery and emancipation during the Romantic period influenced literary works. This could involve analyzing poems, essays, and speeches from that era to understand the complex relationship between literature and social change.
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