Romantics often view children as symbols of innocence, purity, and potential. They believe children are naturally connected to nature and possess a unique ability to perceive beauty and wonder.
Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and William Blake celebrated the uncorrupted nature of childhood and emphasized its role in shaping the individual. They saw children as closer to the divine, untouched by the complexities and corruptions of adult society.
Romantic literature often portrays children as idealized figures, representing hope, imagination, and the power of the human spirit. This is evident in works like William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" or Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" where children represent the potential for good and evil within humanity.
Romantic artists frequently depicted children in their paintings and sculptures, emphasizing their natural grace, beauty, and vulnerability. The innocence and purity associated with children served as an inspiration for their artistic expressions.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the Romantic view of children also included a certain nostalgia for a lost state of innocence and an underlying fear of the corrupting influences of civilization.
In summary, Romantics typically hold a positive and idealized view of children, seeing them as symbols of purity, potential, and connection to nature. This view often reflects a desire to preserve and celebrate the innate beauty and wonder of childhood.
