What does romantic literary criticism emphasize according to Shelley’s "A Defence of Poetry"?

In Shelley’s "A Defence of Poetry," romantic literary criticism emphasizes that poetry is deeply connected to the transient, fleeting nature of thoughts and emotions. This perspective highlights the subjective experience of the poet, suggesting that poetry captures the essence and beauty of fleeting moments and feelings, which are intrinsic to human experience.

Romantic poets viewed poetry as a medium that not only expresses individual emotions but also resonates with universal truths found within those ephemeral thoughts. This aligns with the romantic ideal that art is a powerful expression of personal and emotional truths, serving as a means to connect with both the poet's inner landscape and the broader human experience. Thus, the notion that poetry relates to evanescent thoughts and feelings encapsulates a core belief of romantic criticism about the essential nature of poetic expression.