Romanticism Exam Questions [‘a’ = essay, ‘b’ = creative]

1. Ruse 2016 Trial

a) The Romantic Era was a time of transformation; a time when man imagined new ways of
redefining the human experience. Write an essay in which you discuss the extent to which this
statement is true, reflected in two prescribed texts and two texts of your own choosing.

b) I love not man less, but nature more. Use this quote as inspiration for a piece of imaginative
writing that explores the paradigms and ways of thinking of the Romantic Era.

2.

a) Romanticism explores the delight in feeling.

b)

3.

a) The power of Romantic texts comes from their composers’ refusal to comply with audience
demands.

b) Romanticism: a record of optimism.

4. Ruse 2015 Task 1

a) Romanticism not only emphasised the importance of individual experience, feeling and expression,
but also challenged the way people viewed their world.

b) But beside this there is a love for the marvellous, a belief in the marvellous.
5.

a) In the context of the Romantic revolution, to what extent do the texts in this elective elicit
responses to the individual experience?

b) ‘So this is the great awakening,’ he thought. ‘I must be free to think and act for myself.’

6. Ruse 2015 Trial

a) The Romantic Era was characterised by dramatic shifts in social and political realities which
transformed existing ways of thinking about imagination, individualism and idealism.

b) But what is liberty without wisdom and without virtue?

7. HSC 2015
8. HSC 2014

9. HSC 2013

10. HSC 2012

a) Texts in this module are related to a particular historical period, and the diverse perspectives they
offer are significant to an understanding of the ways of thinking during that period.

To what extent does this statement reflect your study of this module? In your response, refer to
TWO prescribed texts from the elective you have studied, and at least TWO texts of your own
choosing.

b) Compose a piece of original imaginative writing that explores the pursuit of truth, where a letter
features as an important element.

In your response, draw on your knowledge and understanding of Romanticism.

11. Ruse 2016 Task 1

a) Composers of the Romantic Era explored the possibilities of a world beyond the mundane and
material.

b) Romanticism is not situated in the choice of subject, nor in exact truth, but in the way of feeling. –
Charles Baudelaire
12. HSC 2011

13. HSC 2010

14. HSC 2009