Romanticism and Methodism - The Problem of Religious Enthusiasm

Exploring the intense relationship between Romantic literature and Methodism, Helen Boyles argues that writers from both movements display an ambivalent attitude towards the expression of deep emotional and spiritual experience. Boyles takes up the disparaging characterization of William Wordsworth and other Romantic poets as 'Methodistical,' showi

List of contents

Introduction

1. John Wesley's mission: steering a course between sound and spurious enthusiasm

2. Restraining strategies: seeking a balance between emotion and reason in Wesleyan discourse

3. Divided Feelings on Methodist Enthusiasm: Southey and Coleridge's Debate

4. Wordsworth's early exposure to Methodist enthusiasm

5. Common missions in Wordsworth's Preface to The Lyrical Ballads and John Wesley's Preface to the Methodist Hymns

6. Literary Dissent: The 'common voice' in Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads

7. Evangelical style and sentiment in The Excursion and Peter Bell

8. William Hazlitt's 'gusto' and enthusiasm

Conclusion

The Broader Picture

About the author

Helen Boyles is Associate Lecturer in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities and Honorary Research Associate in the English Department at the Open University, UK.

Summary

Exploring the intense relationship between Romantic literature and Methodism, Helen Boyles argues that writers from both movements display an ambivalent attitude towards the expression of deep emotional and spiritual experience. Boyles takes up the disparaging characterization of William Wordsworth and other Romantic poets as 'Methodistical,' showi

Product details

• Authors: Helen Boyles, Helen (The Open University Boyles, Boyles Helen
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.12.2019
• EAN: 9780367882143
• ISBN: 978-0-367-88214-3
• No. of pages: 216
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; RELIGION / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 19th Century, Religion: general, Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900, Literature: history & criticism, Literature: history and criticism