Romantic idealism is a concept that has been around since ancient times, but it became popularized during the Victorian era. It refers to the belief that love is a pure and perfect state of being that transcends reality. Romantic ideals were used by adolescents as an escape from their emotional insecurities, which was prevalent during this time period. During this time period, adolescents would often turn to romantic ideals to help them cope with their feelings of insecurity and loneliness. This could be seen in many novels of the period, such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
In this novel, Elizabeth Bennet struggles with her feelings of insecurity due to her lack of social status. She turns to Mr. Darcy, who is rich and powerful, to fulfill her need for security.
She eventually realizes that he is not the right person for her and breaks up with him. In other works, such as Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, the protagonist Jane also uses romance to escape from her loneliness and insecurity. At one point, she imagines herself as Rochester's wife and mistress, but when that fantasy is shattered, she becomes more aware of her own worth and independence.
Romantic ideals are still relevant today. Many young people use romance as a way to feel secure and loved. They may have low self-esteem or be struggling with issues related to body image or personal worth. By turning to romance, they can temporarily forget about these problems and focus on someone else instead.
This can lead to unrealistic expectations and heartbreak when the relationship ends. It can also make it difficult to develop healthy relationships in the future if they rely too heavily on romantic ideals.
Romantic idealism can serve as an escape from adolescents' emotional insecurities, but it should not be used as a permanent solution. Adolescents need to learn how to cope with their own insecurities and build themselves up before entering into a romantic relationship. This will help them avoid disappointment and hurt down the road.
How does romantic idealism serve as an escape from adolescents' emotional insecurities?
Romantic idealism is often used by adolescents as an escape from their emotional insecurities because it provides them with a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy and rejection that are common during this stage of development. By engaging in romantic fantasies, teenagers can create an imaginary world where they feel desirable and loved, even if their real-life experiences suggest otherwise.