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TRANSCENDENTALISM. What was it?. A literary, philosophical, and political movement (much like Romanticism). When?. 1830s and 1840s (just after Romanticism). Emphasis on EMOTION. Instead of reason and intellect, transcendentalists focused on their EMOTIONS and their SENSES.
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What was it? • A literary, philosophical, and political movement (much like Romanticism)
When? • 1830s and 1840s (just after Romanticism)
Emphasis on EMOTION • Instead of reason and intellect, transcendentalists focused on their EMOTIONS and their SENSES
Emphasis on Nature • Transcendentalists felt that in nature, we could discover ourselves • (me = the grass = you = the sun = me) • Nature is a mystery, full of signs
Emphasis on the INDIVIDUAL • An individual is the spiritual center of the universe.� • Within the self or the individual are found the clues or the secrets to nature, history and the cosmos • Happiness depends on self-realization
Every person and thing has a divine spark or “inner light” • The ultimate goal of existence is to connect with that light
Major Authors • Ralph Waldo Emerson • Henry David Thoreau • Margaret Fuller • Walt Whitman
Ralph Waldo Emerson • Leader of the Transcendentalism movement • Believed that all things and people are connected to God
Major Themes of Transcendentalism • Nature • One’s self – relying on one’s self, connecting to, emotions, etc • Idealism/Optimism • Connection to God
Journal 11.14.12 "Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think that they must have such a one as their neighbors have.“ - Ralph Waldo Emerson • Explain what you think this quote means • Do you agree with this sentiment? Why or why not?
When during a routine day do you find yourself the happiest? Most bored? Explain.
Do you believe you have too many, just enough, or too few conveniences in your life? Explain
3. If you didn't have to worry about making a lot of money, what occupation would you choose? Why?
Homework for 11.15 • Find the lyrics to a song that embody/echo the spirit of Transcendentalism. • Can be any song (please black out swear words), as long as part of it (or all of it) echoes the themes and overall message of Transcendentalism. • Print or write out the lyrics to the entire song. DO NOT HIGHLIGHT OR POINT OUT THE SPECIFIC LYRICS. Just bring them in.