Sentimentalism (literature)

Sentimentalism, in literature, is a movement that emphasizes the expression of emotion and personal feelings, often highlighting the experiences of tenderness, compassion, and deep emotional responses. This literary approach emerged in the 18th century and was particularly prominent in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was characterized by a focus on the individual's inner emotional landscape and a belief in the significance of sentiments as a means of understanding human experience.