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Mario Praz

The Romantic Agony

"The Romantic Agony" by Mario Praz is a seminal work of literary criticism that explores the darker side of Romantic literature and art. First published in 1933, the book remains a classic study of the subject, offering a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the themes and motifs that characterized the Romantic movement in Europe. Praz's central argument is that the Romantic writers and artists were driven by a profound sense of agony and despair, which they expressed through their work. He argues that this agony was rooted in the cultural and historical context of the time, including the political upheavals, social changes, and intellectual currents that shaped the era. The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the Romantic imagination. Praz examines the influence of religion, mythology, and the supernatural on Romantic literature, as well as the fascination with death, decay, and the macabre. He also explores the relationship between Romanticism and sexuality, arguing that the movement was characterized by a tension between the desire for freedom and the constraints of social norms. Praz's analysis is grounded in a close reading of the texts themselves, and he draws on a wide range of examples from literature, art, and music to support his arguments. He is particularly interested in the ways in which the Romantic writers and artists drew on earlier traditions and motifs, reinterpreting them in light of their own experiences and perspectives. One of the strengths of "The Romantic Agony" is its interdisciplinary approach, which allows Praz to draw connections between different forms of art and culture. He is equally at home discussing poetry, painting, and sculpture, and he is attuned to the ways in which these different forms of expression influenced and informed one another. Overall, "The Romantic Agony" is a rich and rewarding work of literary criticism that offers a nuanced and sophisticated analysis of the Romantic movement. Praz's insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, and it remains an essential read for anyone interested in the history of literature and art...