THE SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM SENTIMENTAL TO PRE-ROMANTICISM POETRY THROUGH THE ELEGY OF THOMAS CHATTERTON AND PARTICULARLY TO THE "GRAVEYARD" LYRICS.

Abstract

This paper seeks to uncover the transformative literary trends of sentimentalism and pre-romanticism that emerged in mid-18th-century English poetry. By delving into these significant movements, we can better appreciate their impact on the evolution of poetic expression during this pivotal period. It highlights the characteristic features of each trend, demonstrates the smooth transition between them, and explains their significant role in shaping a new romantic movement in literature.

Through a comparative analysis of the texts, the study will identify the distinct features of sentimentalism present in the works of the “graveyard” school. It will also argue that Chatterton’s elegy, written in the style of “graveyard” lyrics, significantly differs from other works within this school regarding its plot, metrics, and style. The elegy is founded on new aesthetic principles, marking a transition from sentimental poetry to pre-romanticism and laying the groundwork for a new literary direction.