Romkontekst

Romkontekst, short for "romantisk kontekst," is a literary theory and analytical method that focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of a text. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly by critics like Georg Brandes and Georg Lukács, romkontekst aims to understand the emotional and psychological states of characters and readers in relation to the narrative.

The theory posits that literature is not merely a reflection of reality but a creation of the reader's imagination. It emphasizes the subjective experience of the text, arguing that the emotional response to a work of literature is as important as its plot or themes. Romkontekst seeks to analyze how the text evokes feelings and how these feelings shape the reader's interpretation of the narrative.

Critics using romkontekst often examine the text's language, symbolism, and structural elements to understand their emotional impact. They consider how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and mood of the work, and how they influence the reader's emotional engagement with the story.

Romkontekst has been influential in various literary studies, particularly in the analysis of romantic literature. However, its methods and principles have also been applied to other genres and historical periods, demonstrating its versatility as an analytical tool. The theory continues to be a subject of debate and discussion among literary scholars, offering insights into the complex relationship between literature and the human experience.