Romantic literature is a genre that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism. It often reacts against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and celebrates the beauty of the natural world, personal feelings, and the imagination. Key themes include love, adventure, and the sublime, often featuring protagonists who seek deeper truths. Notable authors of romantic literature include William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Mary Shelley. Their works often explore the complexities of human experience and the connection between humanity and nature. This genre laid the groundwork for modern literature and continues to influence writers today.