The Two Paths of Knowledge

During the 19th century, poetry enjoyed parity with rational discourse, sometimes even surpassing it, allowing it to critique scientific and philosophical endeavors. In contrast, the arts, history, and humanities were integral to scientific discussions. Today, we would not typically incorporate poetry or historical exploration as foundational elements in scientific texts, a practice that was common in the 19th century for scientific credibility. Furthermore, Romantic poets did not necessarily view their critiques of figures like Newton as opposition to science; they aimed to offer a more holistic view of existence.

Modern distinctions between science and the humanities are far more arbitrary and recent than commonly perceived. Paul Johnson notes that many 19th-century artists and poets were captivated by scientific advancements, and numerous engineers and scientists possessed exceptional artistic skills. This interdisciplinary engagement stemmed not from a conscious revival of Renaissance ideals but from a time when boundaries between different intellectual pursuits had yet to solidify. Thus, educated individuals embodied this Renaissance spirit.

As our understanding of the world has expanded, the depth of knowledge in various fields has necessitated specialization, often at the cost of broader expertise. This compartmentalization has led to a perceived divide between disciplines that were once seen as interconnected. Consequently, we now encounter a significant gap between science and the arts, in stark contrast to the comprehensive liberal education of the past.

Stephen Prickett highlights the challenges contemporary readers face due to this lack of demarcation and the prevalence of alternative narratives in 19th-century literature. He suggests that secular and biblical narratives were often interpreted similarly, making it difficult for 21st-century readers, accustomed to strict academic divisions, to recapture the mindset of a time when such distinctions were not yet established.

It's tempting for us to read 19th-century texts and assume their meanings apply directly to our present, but this is misleading. The challenge lies not in the categorization of 19th-century literature but in understanding that 21st-century classifications bear little relevance to texts from that era, which were steeped in their unique worldviews and frameworks.

The Intersection of Science and Poetry

The fluidity between artistic discourse and scientific inquiry in the 19th century is exemplified in Sir Humphry Davy's Elements of Chemical Philosophy (1812), which presents a modern take on chemistry while also being a compelling literary work. Davy emphasizes the role of analogy in identifying 'scientific truth', underscoring the centrality of language in scientific exploration. His comprehensive account of science's historical development reflects a profound education in both the sciences and the humanities.

Davy serves as an ideal case study for examining the Romanticism-Science relationship, having mingled with both established and emerging Romantic writers. His friendships with figures like Sir Walter Scott, Wordsworth, and Coleridge were both professional and personal. Notably, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley engaged with Davy's work while crafting Frankenstein. Wordsworth may have even had Davy in mind when discussing the 'Man of Science' in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads.

In the Preface, Wordsworth articulates the distinct roles of the Poet and the Man of Science. He asserts that while both pursue knowledge, the Poet's understanding is inherent to human existence and connects individuals, whereas the Man of Science seeks truth in solitude. Wordsworth posits that poetry embodies the essence of knowledge, serving as both a connector among humanity and a medium for exploring profound truths.

Wordsworth's perspective reflects a belief that poetry transcends the limitations of emerging scientific endeavors, which he viewed as yet unintegrated into the human experience. His repeated phrase, "if the time should ever come..." suggests skepticism regarding science’s ultimate utility, elevating poetry as central to human experience.

The Allure and Peril of Scientific Inquiry

While Romantic writers critiqued the empiricism of early scientists, the excitement surrounding discoveries in chemistry, electricity, and magnetism captivated their imaginations. They believed that reducing all phenomena to mechanical explanations failed to capture the world's richness. Yet, scientific breakthroughs that hinted at unexplored realms of possibility aligned with Romantic ideals, nourishing a sense of wonder.

Both Shelley and Wordsworth positioned poetry at the heart of intellectual pursuits, using it to critique aspects of scientific inquiry. For example, in Alastor, or, The Spirit of Solitude (1815), Shelley presents a protagonist whose obsessive quest for knowledge leads to his demise, illustrating the dangers of disconnecting from human relationships in the pursuit of intellectual enlightenment.

The underlying message is clear: the relentless pursuit of knowledge at the expense of human connection can lead to tragedy, a theme deeply woven into Romantic thought. Poetry serves as a vital means of reconnecting humanity with nature and with each other.

The Societal Role of Poetry

Poetry has historically fostered a sense of connection and context, particularly during the upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Romantic texts often drew upon ancient history and classical mythology to evoke timelessness amid societal change, while science, viewed as cold and detached, was seen as stripping away mystery and wonder.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries were marked by significant social unrest in Britain, driven by rapid industrialization and its consequences. While the government suppressed protests, the energy of dissent manifested in a spiritual and literary revolution we now recognize as Romanticism.

Romanticism, thus, presents a model for non-violent resistance through creative expression, as illustrated by Radu Vancu’s reflections on protests in Romania, where collective action resembled a vast poem that could not be ignored by those in power.

In his Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth identifies poetry as a remedy for the societal disconnection wrought by industrialization, advocating for a fusion of thought and feeling. He distinguishes his work from popular literature, emphasizing poetry's role in encouraging readers to engage deeply with the emotions and situations portrayed, ultimately redefining our understanding of Romanticism.

The first video, HISTORY OF IDEAS - Romanticism, delves into the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped Romantic thought and its interplay with science.

The second video, Romanticism, explores the core themes and figures of the Romantic Movement, highlighting its impact on literature and the arts.