Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism – a philosophical movement that occurred in the middle of the 19^th century (the 1800s) which influenced a great deal of writing of that time period.

Characteristics of Transcendentalism

· Simplicity of life

· A need to live in solitude

· A lack of necessity of material items

· A need to follow your own rules

· More focus on the inner self

· Relying solely on yourself and having the ability to think for yourself

· Breaking free from conformity

· A strong sense of nature

"The Raven"

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/edgar_allan_poe/poems/18848

Characteristics of the Gothic Story

Setting is medieval - a caste or dungeon

The mood is of mystery or suspense

Metaphors of fear, horror, dread (ex. thunder, footsteps, creaks, bells, fog, etc.)

Omens,visions, or haunting dreams are mentioned

Supernatural, evil, or violent events occur

"Mad" characters

Merciless villains

The Inquisition is mentioned (and their method or torture)

Myths or legends are mentioned

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualism vs. Collectivism

The principal political issue in Anthem - and in society at large - is the issue of individualism vs. collectivism.  The society depicted in Anthem is a collectivist society.  "Collectivism," Ayn Rand wrote, "means the subjugation of the individual to the group - whether to a race, class, or state does not matter."  In such a society, the individual is owned by the group; he has no right to a private existence, which means no right to lead his own life, pursue his own happiness, or use his own property.  The individual exists only as part of the group, and his worth is determined by his service to the group.

The alternative to collectivism is individualism, the view advocated by Ayn Rand.  "Individualism," she wrote, "regards man - every man - as an independent, sovereign entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life, a right derived from his nature as a rational being."  Individualism does not mean that one can do whatever he feels like doing; it means that every man is an individual and has the same rights.