The Power of the Imagination as Presented in "To a Wreath of Snow" (Bronte) and "The Question" (Shelley) Anonymous 12th Grade

Poets of the Romantic era placed great importance on emotions and feelings of the individual, turning inwards to consider the power of the imagination and the freedom it provides. In fundamentally changing the focus of their poetry, Romantics opposed the Enlightenment era’s desire to explain the world around them through logic and reasoning, rather elevating the power of the individual. Society up to this point was ruled by the rigid constraints of the establishment, and with the pivotal riot of the French Revolution, people were able to use their imagination to rebel against the authoritative powers and think further beyond the restrictions of society. Second generation Romantic poets like Shelley and arguably Bronte, focused heavily on an introspective outlook on life, and inspired by the French Revolution, used the power of the imagination to defy the limitations and corruption of society, evident in their respective poems ‘The Question’ and ‘To a Wreath of Snow’. In both, the poets seek to escape the harsh reality of life through imagination, offering them freedom to explore an entirely new world.

In ‘To a Wreath of Snow’, Emily Bronte highlights the importance of solidarity in order to allow the individual to experience...