Romanticism | From Enlightenment to Emotion

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

Faust, written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is a two-part dramatic work that tells the story of a scholar named Faust who, dissatisfied with his life and seeking infinite knowledge and power, makes a pact with Mephistopheles, the Devil's representative. Part I focuses on Faust's despair, his pact with Mephistopheles, and his tragic love affair with Gretchen, which ends in her downfall. Part II is more allegorical and symbolic, following Faust through various experiences, including his life at court and his encounter with Helen of Troy, before his eventual salvation through God's grace and the intercession of Gretchen. The work is renowned for its blend of lyric, epic, dramatic, operatic, and balletic elements, and its exploration of theological, mythological, philosophical, and cultural themes.

Written by Friedrich Schiller in 1804, 'Wilhelm Tell' is a drama that focuses on the legendary Swiss marksman Wilhelm Tell as part of the greater Swiss struggle for independence from the Habsburg Empire in the early 14th century. The play interweaves three main plot lines: the saga of William Tell, including the famous apple shot and his role in liberating the Swiss from the tyrant Gessler; the historical background of the Swiss confederation and liberation; and the love story of Berta of Bruneck and Ulrich of Rudenz. Schiller's work depicts the individual and collective struggle for freedom against the brutal rule of the Habsburg bailiffs and explores themes of tyranny, freedom, and the complexities of historical and legendary narratives.

Les Misérables is a profound novel that delves into the lives of several characters, particularly Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who seeks redemption after being treated with kindness by a bishop. The novel critiques the social injustices of 19th-century France, including poverty, extreme social inequality, and a harsh prison system. It weaves historical events, such as the June Rebellion of 1832, into the narrative and emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and the inherent dignity of all people.