It's the Romantic in Me

Romanticism was a time where nature was greatly treasured and Art was made based on the imagination of the artist, rather than copying an image that was placed in front of them. Feelings were expressed in art, literature, and music and held with importance. I think that I am a product of romanticism. Many times in my life I have relied on some of the same ideals as the romantics. For example when I listen to music I listen to the music and feel it inside of me. What makes me want to listen to music more is the way it makes me feel.

Another reason why I think I am a product of the romantic era is because I feel a connection to nature other than it just being beautiful. When I see nature that is untouched by man, or even just plants like flowers, I feel a connection to God. I believe that nature is God’s beauty. It is impossible for me to look at nature and say that it was a mistake. I also feel that being alone in nature is a way for me to contemplate my life. I find that when I make decisions I look inwards before I measure it out logically. I believe that I cannot fully commit to something if my heart is not into it. This is something that romantics were encouraged. They were encouraged to look at things and life with their inner eye.  These are some of the things that I believe make me a product of the romantic era.

Marriage: I Do, or I Don't Care?

In Marriage a-la-Mode, Hogarth critiques fashionable marriage in the eighteenth century. Marriage was almost always arranged, and marriage partners were rarely in love. Hogarth shows infidelity as a common occurrence because of the arranged loveless marriage.

                In today’s society marriage is not viewed as the most important thing in a relationship. Much of the world views marriage as unnecessary because they are comfortable without tying the knot.  They do not understand the importance of the ceremony, when they already live as married couples. Among married couples some are getting divorced. They end the marriage that they have worked on for years, eventually giving up on it. It may be infidelity, but sometimes the people just change and they are not willing to change together. I think this is one reason why marriage is not being taken as seriously among our society.

                If I were to illustrate marriage in today’s society, like Hogarth did with his paintings, I would show the stages of divorce. I would begin with a happily married couple celebrating their wedding. Then, I would show this married couple with kids, stacks of bills, a leaky roof, and other struggles that married couples begin to have as they move through their lives. I would have them looking away from each other having them do different things and avoiding each other. Last I would show the divorce papers being signed with a white surrender flag in the distance.

                I do not believe that all marriage out there is like this. I believe that marriage is a strong bond that if worked on can stay together through anything that life throws at them. Sadly, the view on marriage has turned away from being a serious sign of love, to a reason for a giant party. Marriage may not be taken seriously by society, but it should be.