By ear, every person came across such a word as sentimentalism. What such a concept means in literature and psychology. Many have an idea about him, but very often they cannot explain.
General view
Sentimentalism from English translates as sensuality or touching. A word formed from an adjective that means excessive tenderness in the manifestation of sympathy. Sentimental man has a strong sensitivity, it is easy to move.
But besides 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 the literature? Before determining his role, it is worth knowing when he appeared and what is characteristic of him.
First, sentimentalism as one of the most important trends in literature appeared at the end of the eighteenth century, when people of the third estate began to elevate 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 perspective on human nature, where feeling is valued more than thinking. Personal instincts - pity, tenderness and goodwill. They prevail over social responsibilities.
The literature notes sincerity, sympathy for the poor. Sentimental writers criticized abuse and social injustice. Unlike classicism, which was dominated by reason, this genre was subject to emotions, it provided people with creativity the freedom to choose their feelings and express their ideas.
Sentimentalism has a democratic idea, implying the equality of all peoples. People keep diaries, worry, show affection for each other. And the works describe their feelings, sensations that they experience throughout a path.
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. 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, were shown.
Traits of sentimentalism
There are basic signs of direction, they will be listed below. We figured out the notion of "sentimentalism." What such a concept means has become more clear. Now let's move on to the main features:
- cult of feeling;
- the importance of the common man;
- priority of personal life;
- subjectivity, the author's position is ambiguous;
- leading genres: novel, diaries, letters, novel;
- 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 towards the manifestation of touching, enthusiastic feelings when other people have no reaction to the exact same situation. The heroes of works in the style of "sentimentalism" are endowed with the same features. What such a concept means in psychology is now also known. Such people are characterized by tearfulness without any reason.
Now we will answer the questions: "Sentimentalism: what is it, do we need it now and was this genre really important in the 18th century? Should sentimentality be considered positive or negative?"
“Nothing deserves so much attention as the human heart.” The words of Fonvizin answer the questions asked in one sentence. And it reveals the meaning and main idea of sentimentalism itself.