Ralph Waldo Emerson/Edgar Allen Poe Notes and Vocab

Sepluchres

Graves; tombs; burial places

Hieroglyphic

A picture script of ancient Egypt which is difficult to decipher.

Chamber

A private room, often a bedroom.

Maugre

In spite of

Temprance

Restraint; self-control

Nymphs

Mythological maidens

Transcendentalism

Philosophy that seeks to transcend the limitations of the physical world. _______ finds the truth and meaning through spiritual and philosophical pursuits.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

(1803-1882)

Born in Boston, Massachusetts.

a. Father died at 7 years old, raised by mother (and mother’s family)

b. Sent to Harvard

c. Spent time in Florida due to health problems

-Witnessed slavery- developed an anti-slavery mindset.

pastor, Boston

Ralph Waldo Emerson was ordained a ______ and returned to _________

anti-slavery speeches, abolitionist

Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered _____ - _______ ________. He left the Church and focused on _____ efforts.

Transcendentalist Club, 1836

Ralph Waldo Emerson began this club in which year?

“Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

a. essay focuses on Transcendentalist beliefs

b. essay says nature is a source of personal and spiritual growth

c. spending time in nature helps a person find his or her inner spirit

d. in nature, we return to reason and faith (what we think and believe)

e. egotism vanishes/one begins thinking of other people and things.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

“I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing, I see all… I am a particle of God.”

a. while in nature, one looks inward

Transcend

To go beyond limitations

Metaphysical

Beyond the physical

Connotative

The feelings and ideas that people may connect with that word.

Edgar Allen Poe

(1809-1849): Best works were, “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The Masque of Red Death.”

actors, Boston

Poe’s parents were both professional ________ in the city of _______

3

Both of Poe’s parents died at the time he was _______ yrs. old

John Allen

Poe was raised by his father ______ ______

West Point Academy

Poe joined the Army and was admitted into _______ _______ _______.

financial support, ignoring his duties

Poe was dismissed due to a lack of _____ ______, and _______ ____ ______.

fall apart

Poe’s relationship with his father began to:

a. fall apart

b. grow stronger

c. stay neutral

Baltimore, aunt

Poe began to write short stories, poetry, and critical theories. He moved to _________, and lived with his _______

Virginia

Poe married his cousin __________ in 1836.

dark imagery, repeated themes of loss

Virginia’s death in 1847 contributed to Poe’s _____ ________ and _____ __________ ______

40, unknown

Poe died in Baltimore at age ______, the cause is _______.

Mood

The overall atmosphere of a book

Volume

A book

Ember

A small piece of wood or coal on fire

Obiesance

a movement to express courtesy or respect

Pallas

Reference to a sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena (goddess of wisdom)

Craven

Coward

Plutonian

A reference to the Greek god Pluto, god of the underworld and afterlife

Quaff

to drink

Seraphim

Mythical celestial beings, like angels

Nepenthe

A drug or drink believed to cause people to forget sadness and troubles

Gilead

A region in Ancient Palestine, referred to in the Bible.

Aidenn

A reference to the Garden of Eden.

Surcease

A temporary hall or a stopping of action.

Entreat

To make an urgent request or to plead with someone/persuade

Beguile

To lead by deception

Decorum

Propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance

Dirge

A song or hymn or grief or lamentation

Ungainly

Having an awkward appearance

Tempest

A violent storm

Respite

To grant a temporary period of relief to

Countenance

look, expression, composure