La persistencia de la estética romántica: magia y conocimiento en Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell

Abstract

The present work tries to recognize in the novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell aspects related to romantic aesthetics. We believe we notice, in this novel about English magic, the legacy and survival of the romantic spirit. The general objective of the essay is to highlight different characteristics of this novel by Susanna Clarke, which refer to the considerations of romanticism. In particular, we are interested in to analyze on the personage of Jonathan Strange, in order to recognize in his figure topics associated with romanticism such as fantasy, imagination, love, passion, etc. Strange’s figure seems to show the same epistemological optimism that the Romantics showed in the late Eighteenth Century. The romantic atmosphere, the historical setting and the language used in the dialogues of the novel show that romanticism is not only a historical moment, but a cultural form that is still fascinating in culture.