Romanticism Test

Romanticism

A literary and artistic movement (1800-1860 in America) that emphasized imagination, nature, emotion, and individuality over reason and tradition. Believed society and its institutions corrupted the purity of the human mind

Transcendentalism

An American offshoot of romanticism focused on intuition, nature, and spiritual self reliance

Gothic literature

a darker branch of romanticism filled with mystery, the supernatural, and psychological exploration. Believed that of you couldn’t escape the city you could escape your imagination. They were interested in exploring the darkness of the human mind

Herman Melville

Transcendentalist author known for writing “Moby Dick”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Transcendentalist author known for writing The Scarlet Letter

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Transcendentalist essayist who was central figure in Transcendentalism; wrote “Nature” and “Self-Reliance”, promoting individual intuition and the spiritual connection to nature

Henry David Thoreau

A transcendentalist; disciple of Emerson; authored “Walden,” reflecting on simple living in natural surroundings, and “Civil Disobedience,” advocating for individual conscience over governmental dictates

Edgar Allan Poe

Master of Gothic literature; known for “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart.” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” delving into themes of madness, death, and the supernatural

Washington Irving

Father of American Literature

Famous Works: Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Style: Blended European folklore with American settings, used humor, satire, and gothic elements

Importance: helped develop a distinct American literary voice.

The Fireside Poets

A group of 19th century American poet who were extremely popular and often read the fireside at home

Key Fireside Poets

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and William Cullen Bryant, John Greenleaf Whittier

Characteristics of Fireside Poets

traditional structured poetry,

themes: patriotism, nature, family, death, and moral views

Accessible language meant for the common reader

Why are Fireside Poets important

Helped define American identity and values through poetry

made poetry a household part of American life

Core Romantic Themes

Emotion> Reason

Nature as Spiriual

Celebration of the Individual

Interest in the Supernatural

Critique of Industrialization

Rationalist vs. Romantics

Rationalists: city = a place of prosperity and self realization

Romantics: city = cesspool of moral decay, crime, and corruption

Central Park in New York City

Designed to bring a bit of the blessed countryside to those trapped in the city

brainchild of poet William Cullen Bryant

5 Strategies to Add Complexity

1. Use “although” and “despite’ sentences

2. Show cause and effect chains

3. acknowledge continuity and change

4. Compare and contrast different groups

5. use specific evidence then analyze it

Sentence Starters That Help Show Complexity

“although”, “while some argue…others believe…” “his event had both immediate and long-term consequences..” “This reflected broader trends in..” “However, exceptions existed, as seen in…” “Nevertheless, despite these advancements..”