Sentimentalism: what does this concept mean in the literature

On hearing to each person there was such word, as sentimentalism. What is the concept denoted in literature and psychology. Many people have an idea of it, but very often they can not explain it.

General view

Sentimentalism from English translates as sensuality or touching. A word formed from an adjective, which means excessive tenderness in the manifestation of sympathy. A sentimental person is characterized by a strong sensitivity, it is easy to be moved.

But beyond this definition, there are others. Let's start with the direction in the literature.

The role of sentimentalism in literature

If the general meaning of this concept is known to many, then what is sentimentalism in literature? Before determining its role, it is worthwhile to find out when it appeared and what is characteristic of it.

First, sentimentality as one of the most important directions in literature appeared at the end of the eighteenth century, when people of the third estate began to exalt their political activity and social role. They were not equal with aristocratic society and clergy, therefore they expressed their position in relation to democracy.

Sentimentalism has shown a new view of human nature, where feeling is valued more than thinking. Personal instincts are pity, tenderness and goodwill. They prevail over social responsibilities.

In literature there is sincerity, sympathy for the poor. Sentimental writers criticized cruel treatment and social injustice. Unlike classicism, which was at the mercy of reason, this genre was subject to emotions, it provided people of creativity with the freedom to choose feelings and express their ideas.

In sentimentalism, a democratic thought is implied, implying the equality of all peoples. People conduct diaries, experience, show tenderness towards each other. And in the works they describe their feelings, sensations, which they experience during some way.

The hero in a sentimental novel is a commoner. An ordinary person, not distinguished by wealth or other merit.

Sentimentalism played a role in literature. It was shown the importance of equality of estates on the part of their spiritual world and the need for democracy, which was quite important at that time for Russia.

Features of sentimentalism

There are basic signs of direction, they will be indicated below. We understood the concept of "sentimentalism". What this concept means, has become more clear. Now let's move on to the main features:

- the cult of feeling;

- the importance of the common man;

- the priority of personal life;

- subjectivity, author's position is ambiguous;

- leading genres: novel, diaries, letters, story;

- the inner world of a person, feelings, emotions, experiences;

- protest against aristocratic society.

Sentimentalism in Psychology

Sentimentality is a property of the psyche. It is characterized by dreaminess, emotionality and sensuality. Sentimental people are oriented toward the manifestation of touching, rapturous feelings, when other people do not react to exactly the same situation. The same features are given to the heroes of works in the style of "sentimentalism". What is the concept means in psychology, now also known. Such people are characterized by tearfulness without any reason.

Now we answer the questions: "Sentimentalism: what is it, do we need it now and was this genre really important in the 18th century?" Positive or negative should the quality be considered sentimentality? ".

"Nothing deserves such attention as the human heart." Fonvizin's words answer a set of questions in one sentence, and reveals the meaning and the main idea of sentimentalism itself.