Emerging from the late eighteenth century was an intellectually developed period that was fueled by writers and artists with characteristic attitudes. This period is known as the period of Romanticism, which derived from "The Romaunt," a mid-evil chivalric tale that was both improbable and fanciful. From a "deepened appreciation of nature" to a "turning upon the self and a heightened examination of human personality and its moods and mental potentialities," this period brought with it some astonishing distinctiveness from the writers and artists uncommon to the previous centuries (Pioch). An eighteen-year-old writer named Mary Shelley and a Germanic artist named Casper David Friedrich were two romantics who are contributors to this period of anti-rationalism and ex-materialistic ways. Shelley's Frankenstein is a disturbing ride through three characters" passions and inner struggles. There is "a general exaltation of emotions over reasons and of the senses over intellect" throughout the story (Pioch). The painting, Morgen in Riesengebirge (Morning in Riesengebirge), was done by Casper David Friedrich depicting this time of romanticism. The simple beauty of the mountainous landscape and the morning horizon ultimately supports the power and splendor of this period. Romanticism was characterized by themes and elements, including individualism, that Shelley and Friedrich expressed.
The formation of Romanticism began toward the end of the eighteenth century as a result of a change in the arts that rebelled against Neo-Classicism. During this time, artists and writers changed their focuses toward sources of inspiration for subject matter. There was a revival of the modern, spiritual, and fantasy culture of the Middle Ages. All of Europe was involved in this newly adapted fashion and with it came the change in people's appeal to style. According to Natale Williams, the romantic period can be defined by three basic elements:.