2. Artistic freedom and experimentation: The Romantics believed in the importance of free expression and imagination in art, literature, and other forms of creative expression. They rebelled against classical and traditional forms and techniques and instead embraced experimentation, which was often seen as a rejection of the established artistic norms.
3. Celebration of nature: The Romantics celebrated nature as a source of inspiration, awe, and spiritual power. This was seen as rebellious because it challenged the dominant focus on reason, logic, and materialism that had characterized much of the previous intellectual discourse.
4. Emotional expression: The Romantics believed in the importance of expressing emotions, both positive and negative. This was seen as rebellious because emotions had often been suppressed or seen as irrational in traditional societies.
5. Political and social critique: Many Romantic writers and artists used their work to critique political and social issues, including oppression, inequality, exploitation, and the negative consequences of industrialization and urbanization. This was seen as rebellious because it challenged the status quo and questioned authority and power structures.
6. Influence on the French Revolution: Some have argued that the Romantic movement, with its emphasis on emotional expression, individualism, and rebellion, contributed to the rise of revolutionary sentiments and influenced the French Revolution (1789). While this connection is complex and multifaceted, it highlights how the movement was perceived as having potential political ramifications.
Overall, the Romantics' challenge to established norms, their emphasis on individualism and emotional expression, their artistic experimentation, and their critique of social and political issues led them to be seen as rebels in their time.