Summative Entry

The Nineteenth Century gives me real insights into human and social issues that are still current in the 21st century.

Over the course of ENGL200 I have gradually become more confident with experimenting with my own creative writing style, and as well developed a critical lens when analysing authors and poets that have contributed to nineteenth century Romanticism. I have continuously grown my knowledge base and literacy skills that have been inspired by my strong enthusiasm when learning about topics taught within this unit. I have deepened my understanding of works sourced from the Romantic and Victorian era by engaging with texts and with peers. In addition, learning and immersing myself into literature of the nineteenth century supported me with gaining truths and perspective into social issues and human condition that is highly relevant within Australian contemporary society.  

Exploring whether nineteenth century literature remains significant to the 21st century world is mainly seen through my critical blog. (https://literaryworld.home.blog/2020/03/16/blog-2-critical-2/) Critically analysing Wordsworth’s sonnet “The World is Too Much with Us”, was critically analysed to determine the extent to how the themes that were illustrated within it applied to modern societies. Personally, I found myself leaning more towards the opinion that Wordsworth’s poem undoubtedly is a reflection of the current times. The prominent themes of materialism, consumption and the process of mechanisation are evidently present elements that undely todays’ capitalist world. During the Romantic period, writers and artists such as Wordsworth challenged, confronted, presented and provided in-depth insight into the consequences birthed by the Industrialisation. They informed and invited individuals to live with a level of awareness as to the changes that were apparent during these times. In doing so, creative expressions often alleviated many human beings that were experiencing disconnect from nature and loss of meaning and purpose.

I recommend my third blog post entry (creative) as my best blog (https://literaryworld.home.blog/2020/04/06/blog-3-creative-2/). I enjoyed writing this particular piece as I connected deeply with the subject matter. The themes and ideas we have explored thus far over this course have given me the tools to write a piece that highlighted the key components of Romanticism. My poem is inspired by a painting by Eugene von Guerard titled ‘Milford Sound, New Zealand’. During the process of writing this blog post, I was influenced and inspired by the feelings and emotions that the painting evoked within me. My first impression of the artwork was one of power, strength and magnificence. I aspired for my poem to reflect some of those aspects, by incorporating poetic techniques and imagery. I believe that my poem is representative of my developing creative writing skills as well as my continuous aim of improvement over this unit. In hindsight, writing this piece highlighted the importance and value that comes with observing the natural world and its forces. 

Peer reviews presented an opportunity to read and share blogs written and created by fellow peers. They also enhanced my knowledge of nineteenth century literature and feedback from other students further improved on my own work. Peer reviews are innovative, accessible and interactive, reading students blog posts each week exposed me to unique writing styles and interpretations. I found that group discussion and evaluation of my peers works to be interesting and inspiring. It provided me with insight following the idea that each person has their own perspectives into how they connect to nineteenth century literature. Furthermore, how it impacts on their own personal lives and relates to the 21st century world.

Overall, writing creative and critical blog pieces has been an exciting and reflective experience. I was given creative freedoms to create entries relating to nineteenth century literature and the various authors and poets that we explored each week. I have grown to admire the poetry and prose that we have studied, from authors who have significantly contributed to the Romantic and Victorian era. Most notably, I have learnt the value of self-awareness and reflection. It is important for human beings to seek knowledge and always stay present within today’s world. Continuous growth and development depends on accessing history, literature and art from periods such as the nineteenth century. Poets especially serve to draw attention to the social, political, economic and environmental issues that impact on the 21st century and the centuries that follow after.