Which literary movement emphasizes individualism and freedom of expression as a reaction to Enlightenment ideals?

The correct answer is Romanticism, a literary movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a response to the scientific rationality and classical ideals of the Enlightenment. Romanticism places a strong emphasis on individualism, allowing for personal expression and emotional authenticity. This movement celebrated the beauty of nature, human emotion, and the imagination, promoting the idea that individuals should express their unique experiences and perspectives without conforming to societal norms or established rules.

Romantic writers often focused on the sublime aspects of nature, the exploration of deep emotions, and the glorification of the past, especially in terms of folklore and the individual hero. They rejected the strict forms and rules that characterized earlier literary movements, advocating for creativity and the pursuit of personal truth. This innovative spirit in Romanticism reflected a belief in the importance of personal freedom, which significantly diverged from the more communal and rational approaches prominent during the Enlightenment.