Explain how the romantic theory of poetry reflects the early nineteenth century’s emphasis on individualism.

By emphasizing expression of personal emotions

Explanation:

Romanticism is a cultural and political movement that appeared in Europe as a response to rationalism and classicism which put accent to freedom. On the contrast, romanticism promoted romantic feelings and undrestanding of nature and it affected every area of art. In the 19th century, romantic started to mean sentimental, i.e. lyricism and the expression of personal emotions were emphasized.

The biggest accent was on individualism,while it encouraged values of regular people and their emotions. Some of the famous romantic poets were  Coleridge, John Keats, Percy Shelley, and William Blake.

reading poetry is challenging when you don't have or very little of social context and culture schema.

solution: read the introduction, the norm, or even explaination if you still dont get it.