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 foryourself

·Breaking free from conformity

·A strong sense of nature

Gothicism

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

Romanticism - English 3

What comes to your mind when you hear the word Romanticism?

Information about Romanticism:

• This refers to a time in American Literature between 1770 and 1860

• What else is going on in American during this time period?

Civil War

Revolutionary War

Forced migration of Native Americans

Influx of immigration

Industrial Revolution

Global Trade

Propaganda

Common Sense

 The American Frontier promised opportunity for expansion, growth, freedom.

 There is an increased spirit of optimism invoked by the promise of new discovery.

 Immigration brought new cultures and perspectives.

 Growth of industry.

 There is an increased need to become more spiritual.

• Some famous “romantic” writers include Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathanial Hawthorne, Emily Dickinson, Herman Melville…just to name a few.

• There are several characteristics that mark a “romantic” piece of literature. They are:

1. Emotion

2. Individualism

3. Revolutionary

4. Love of nature and solitude

5. Full of fantasy and/or introspection

6. Subjective perception

7. Right-brained (more creative and emotional than logical and analytical)

8. Strong sense of nationalism

9. Provides an outcast or savage character

10. Mysterious settings

11. Focus on the supernatural

• The Romantic period in American literature brings about the basis for two important literary movements … Gothicism and Transcendentalism.