New England Renaissance

Transcendentalism

Name: __________________________Mrs. Small/Mr. O’Donnell

American Literature- Academic1

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Name:______________________________________ Date:_______________ Period:____Are You a Transcendentalist?

Directions: Below is a list of basic American Transcendentalist beliefs. Read each of the statements below and star those that you personally agree with.

o I am an idealist (I see the world as it could be not just as it is)

o I am spiritual

o I believe that all people, even those who are different from me, should be respected

o I believe God’s presence (or other higher power’s presence) can be found anywhere, not just in religious institutions

o I am more concerned with this life, than the idea of an afterlife

o I believe that Goodness conquers over Evil

o I believe that I make my own destiny (future)

o I believe figuring things out for myself is better than learning from a book

o I believe that “facts” can change as I learn more about the world

o I believe there is an important relationship between humans and nature

o I believe the only way to change the problems of the world is for people to first change themselves

o I trust in myself, not in other people or institutions

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Blank

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STATION 1- Nonfiction Reading

Directions: Read the article answer the questions. Pre-view the questions before you begin reading and read with a purpose

The emergence of…TRANSCENDENTALISM

1830—1855The movement that began around 1830 by a core group of thinkers and started to “die out” around 1855 has come to be known in American history as The Transcendental Period. Nothing since then has come close to being established.

Although this time period is full of rich history and philosophy, to put it briefly, people during the development of “America” went from one extreme to another too fast. During the Puritan time period, all people were expected to be quiet, humble, and in prayer. Failure to do so created a bad end for them—jail, witch hunt, hatred from town members, etc. Once people started to move away from this, they really moved away from it. The American Revolution occurs, which gave people a sense of purpose and established our freedom. However, with freedom comes responsibility and not all can handle this, as you know. Most people began to get very greedy, as you will see with our story, “The Devil and Tom Walker”. Most people began to look towards new technologies (railroad, factories) and gold to make them rich. Essentially, people abandoned their ancestors’ appreciations of religion and freedom, and began to concern themselves more with wealth and progression.

From this, a particular group of thinkers (Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau) realized that people were too worried about the wealth they could acquire and the possessions they could have than about the internal morality that was necessary to lead a good life. Therefore, these authors focused their writings on nature, self-reflection, internal spirituality (not associated with church), intelligence, and awareness of one’s self in the world and to those around them. These writers/thinkers believed that all people had endless opportunities for social and individual growth, but they had to “transcend” their previous thoughts into thoughts of Nature, the individual, and spirituality (oneness with Nature). They abolished all possessions that were not of necessity and any desire to acquire money that, again, was not of necessity. They hated conformism (doing what everyone else does), slavery, and destruction of nature for progress (so, those Walmarts that have been built over forests, for example). The writers and thinkers of this time period had the obvious idea of slowing down and appreciating what is the most important in life; however, it was difficult for the American people to give up wealth and opportunity for the simplicity of Nature.

Most people were still in love with their possessions and wealth to realize they were becoming greedy, obsessed, selfish, and uncaring. For these reasons, the time period known as the best attempt in American History to teach manners, etiquette, and awareness ended after a short time. Despite this, the Transcendental Period and its writers, particularly Henry David Thoreau, were the first environmentalists and the first “go greeners”!

Questions about Transcendental information…

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1. When did the Transcendental Movement begin?

2. What was happening in America to cause this type of movement?

3. People seemed to care more about ______________ and less about Nature during this time period.

4. Why is this time period called Transcendentalism?

5. What did these people want the American people to follow or believe in?

6. Why did this movement in America end?

7. Opinion: Do you think there will be a time when people get back to Nature and abandon their unnecessary possessions and materials? Why/why not?

STATION 2- Photos/Debate

Directions: Take a look at the pictures of technology on your table. Think about the kinds of technology we have available to us today. With your group discuss the question below and fill out the chart.

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TECHNOLOGY: GOOD VS. BAD

In what ways is our technology good? In what ways is our technology bad?

GOOD BAD

If you had to choose only one side (whether it’s helped more or hurt more), which would you choose and why?

How did technology play a role with Transcendentalism?

STATION 3- Music/Song Lyrics

Directions: Listen to the songs “Blowin’ In the Wind” and “Unwritten” read the lyrics. Answer the questions below for each song

1. What is the message of this song? Underline lines that let you know.7

2. How does this song, which was written in the 1960s, relate to the Transcendental Period, which occurred more than 100 years before? Highlight lines that connect to Transcendentalism and label the connection.

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND by Bob Dylan (1963)

How many roads must a man walk downBefore you call him a man?Yes, and how many seas must a white dove sailBefore she sleeps in the sand?Yes, and how many times must the cannon balls flyBefore they're forever banned?The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look upBefore he can see the sky?Yes, and how many ears must one man haveBefore he can hear people cry?Yes, and how many deaths will it take till he knowsThat too many people have died?The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain existBefore it's washed to the sea?Yes, and how many years can some people existBefore they're allowed to be free?Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head,Pretending he just doesn't see?The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,The answer is blowin' in the wind.

1. What is the message of this song? Underline lines that let you know.

2. How does this song, which was written in the 1960s, relate to the Transcendental Period? Highlight lines that connect to Transcendentalism and label the connection.

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Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten” LyricsI am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefinedI'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before youOpen up the dirty windowLet the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

CHORUS ONEReaching for something in the distanceSo close you can almost taste itRelease your inhibitions

CHORUS TWOFeel the rain on your skinNo one else can feel it for youOnly you can let it inNo one else, no one elseCan speak the words on your lipsDrench yourself in words unspokenLive your life with arms wide openToday is where your book beginsThe rest is still unwrittenOh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the linesWe've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before youOpen up the dirty windowLet the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Repeat CHORUS ONERepeat CHORUS TWO

Staring at the blank page before youOpen up the dirty windowLet the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Repeat CHORUS ONERepeat CHORUS TWO The rest is still unwritten (repeat 3x)

Oh, yeah, yeah

STATION 4- Video

Directions: As you watch the video on Transcendentalism, record 2-3 main ideas for every section.

Section 1: Definition of Transcendentalism

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Section 2: Transcendentalist Ideas

Section 3: Transcendentalism's Impact on American Literature

Section 4: Important Figures in Transcendentalism

Video Transcript--Transcendentalism: Impact on American LiteratureTaught by

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Stacy Redd

Definition of TranscendentalismTranscendentalism was an idealistic literary and philosophical movement of the mid-19th century. Beginning in New England in 1836, various visionaries, intellectuals, scholars, and writers would come together regularly to discuss spiritual ideas. The Boston newspapers, which advertised their meetings, called the group the Transcendentalists. In this video, we will explore the main ideas of Transcendentalism, along with some of the key figures of this important American literary movement.

The Transcendentalists were radical thinkers. At the time of their meetings, New England was still holding on to a remnant of Puritanical values. There was a sense that organized religion had authority over one's personal life and individual choices. For the Transcendentalists, this was a big no-no! They were quite critical of conformity, or forcing one's behavior to match social expectations or standards. They were nonconformists - people who do not conform to a generally accepted pattern of thought or action. They rejected common ideas and practices, particularly organized religion. There wasn't a Transcendentalist church or a holy book of Transcendentalism. Instead, there were regular meetings for lively conversation and a shared hope of cultivating a modern, fluid, and personal sense of spirituality.

Transcendentalist IdeasNow bear with me, I know this sounds a bit voodoo or New Age: the Transcendentalists believed that for every person there exists a private relationship between the self and the universe. In fact, they believed that each person carries the universe within himself. They thought that every individual has a universal soul, referred to as 'The Eternal One.' Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist and poet, was at the center of the Transcendentalist movement. He explained the idea of the universal soul by stating that 'within man is the soul of the whole; the wise silence; the universal beauty; to which every part and particle is equally related; the eternal ONE.' Basically, Emerson is saying that all of the world, its knowledge and splendor, lives within us. This certainly sounds like an idea that might be discussed on Oprah's couch!

In addition to the universal soul, the Transcendentalists believed in intuitive thought, which is the ability to know something through instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning. They believed that one should guide her life by what she feels to be true. We've all had flashes of intuition: grabbing an umbrella on a perfectly sunny day or sensing that someone's about to call right before the phone rings. The Transcendentalists believed that these flashes of intuition were the most fundamental form of knowledge. Intuition should have precedence over the intellect, according to the Transcendentalists, because intuition was provided by the universal soul.

Transcendentalism was really a hodgepodge of ideas. The Transcendentalists were very well read and borrowed from Puritanism (the bits they liked), German Idealism, Eastern religions, and more. They merged and fused concepts, creating a flexible set of values. They valued simplicity, a life not bound to material possessions. They valued self-reliance, or a reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others, and trust in one's own heart and thoughts. They valued openness, openness to the beauty of the world.

Transcendentalism's Impact on American Literature11

The impact of Transcendentalism on American literature can easily be seen today. For example, I think immediately of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love. In the book, Gilbert goes on a journey both physically and spiritually. Recently divorced, she finds self-reliance. She comes to value the beauty of the everyday (pasta!). She meditates, hoping to connect with the 'Eternal One' within her. The Transcendentalists, particularly Emerson, perpetuated the idea that writers are seers. It's the writer's duty to see the world clearly, to summon the world to life. Emerson called poets 'liberating gods.' Literature was a platform to liberate people, to help them see what needs to be seen: nature, spirituality, self-identity, and social injustice. The Transcendentalists were forceful critics of slavery and gender inequality. In transcendental theory, every individual has to be respected because every individual has a universal soul.

Transcendentalists also placed significant emphasis on imagination. Imagination allows the mind to be resourceful, to form new ideas that are not present to the senses. As the writer or reader imagines, he transcends himself. This allows him to move beyond his personal experience, his mind and body, to consider something anew. The ability to imagine can effect change. The Transcendentalists wanted their work to have an altering effect on individuals and on society as a whole. For the Transcendentalists, man needed to live in the world, participate in it, look at it closely, and take action.

Important Figures in TranscendentalismRalph Waldo Emerson was at the heart of the American transcendental movement. He was a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School. He spent his early days as a minister, but he resigned after his first wife's death. His first significant work, the essay 'Nature', was published in 1836. This essay was seminal to Transcendentalism. It explored Emerson's admiration for the natural world, a world he believed to be infused with the divine. He encouraged people to explore nature, to study it. In studying the natural world, one also studied the nature of man. This relates back to the idea of the 'Eternal One,' that each person carries the universe within. Solitary time in nature was the surest way for a person to connect with the universe, according to Emerson.

Emerson lived in Concord, Massachusetts, amid a small mix of inquisitive, progressive individuals. Together with other Transcendentalists, he started a magazine called The Dial. The Dial helped make the ideas of Transcendentalists available to the public. Emerson was also a prolific lecturer. He traveled often to share his essays and ideas. I think of Emerson as a very kind-hearted and spiritual man, sort of a 19th-century version of Deepak Chopra.

Henry David Thoreau, a writer and naturalist, was greatly affected by Emerson's writings and formed a close friendship with him. He often published his poems and essays in The Dial. In 1845, he built a tiny cabin on some of Emerson's land at the shores of Walden Pond. He stayed there for two years. This experiment of simple, self-sufficient living was Transcendentalism in practice. Thoreau immersed himself in nature and solitude (when he wanted it), though his cabin was right at the outskirts of town. He became a learned naturalist, an expert in or student of natural history, one expertly adept at observing nature. In 1854, Thoreau's book Walden was published. The book shared his experience at Walden Pond and emphasized man's need for closeness with nature. What a truly Transcendental idea!

Walt Whitman was an American poet who was also heavily influenced by Transcendentalism. In fact, he believed that he was just the sort of poet that Emerson was looking for when he envisioned the poet's role as a seer, a 'liberating god.' Clearly, Whitman wasn't a guy who lacked confidence! Whitman's poems considered themes of transcendental thought. More importantly, the style of his poems was bold and modern. Whitman is often cited as the father of free verse, a type of poetry that does not conform to

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regular meter or rhyme. The lines of his poems were considered very irregular for the time. Whitman authored the poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was published in 1855. Though the book dealt with transcendental themes of nature and the role of the spirit, its sensuality was quite controversial.

In the time that they were living, the Transcendentalists were really rebels. Though today we look at pictures of them with their lovely grandfather-like faces in black and white, they were quite modern in their day. They helped to shape the very American notion of individuality and the importance of recognizing each person's moral worth. This stands for everyone, regardless of race or gender. They championed independence and self-reliance.

Lesson SummaryIn summary, Transcendentalism was an American literary and philosophical movement that lasted from the 1830s to the 1850s. The key beliefs of the movement were:

1. The 'Eternal One': Every individual carries the universe within himself and is entitled to his own personal relationship with spirituality.

2. Intuitive thought : Intuition should have precedence over conscious thought. Intuition is the most fundamental form of knowledge.

3. Imagination : Imagination allows a person to transcend himself, to consider things anew.

At the center of the movement was the American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Greatly influenced by Emerson's ideas, Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman advanced the movement with their literary contributions. Transcendentalism encouraged man to look closely at the world, to look closely at himself, and to be radically honest about what he sees.

Transcendental Reflection Name: __________________Adopting Transcendentalism in _______ Date: ____________Pd: ____

Directions: After reading and analyzing each selection from Transcendentalism, reflect on the many main ideas that were meaningful for you in some way. Select a main idea that you will support with a direct quote and explanation. Finally, explain why the idea is important and how you will adopt it in your life.

1. Title of Literature: “Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson Main idea

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Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

1. Title of Literature: “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson Main idea

Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

1. Title of Literature: “Walden: Where I Lived and What I Lived For” by Henry David Thoreau Main idea

Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

From “Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

In what type of setting do you feel the most reflective? Emerson believes that man can only achieve oneness with the Universe while in Nature. Do you agree or disagree?

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Do you agree or disagree that mankind has ruined Nature and that one day it will be beyond repair?

What, in your opinion, is the most beautiful part of Nature?

Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson is sometimes seen as the beginning of the Transcendental Time Period. As we read the excerpt from Nature by Emerson, think about your feelings about Nature and how this essay could start an entire movement in history.

1. According to Emerson, when is man most alone and able to reflect? Do you agree or disagree? (page 242)

2. How can stars create a sense of reverence? (page 242)

3. Why does Emerson say that “few adult persons can see nature”? What does he mean by this? Do you agree? (page 242)

4. According to Emerson, how can Nature bring one back to youth? Do you think this is possible? (page 243)

5. What does Emerson mean when he writes “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” in the last paragraph of the excerpt? Can you see meaning in this? Explain. (page 243)

Aphorisms in “Nature” Name:__________________Ralph Waldo Emerson Date:___________________

The literature of Transcendentalism contains a wealth of inspirational, thought-provoking sayings called Aphorisms.

Aphorism can be defined as: a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise, poetic and witty manner. Synonyms for Aphorism are: a saying, a maxim, an adage, a proverb.

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I. Warm up: In the space below, paraphrase (put in your own words) the following aphorisms. An example has been done for you.

Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Paraphrase: Life is unpredictable. You have to be ready for anything.

1. “An eye for an eye leaves the world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi Paraphrase:

2. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paraphrase:

3. “It is not what you look at, but what you see.” - Henry David Thoreau Paraphrase:

II. Group Work: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature resonates with an abundance of interesting aphorisms involving humankind “listening” to the lessons that nature can teach.

Directions: 1) In the space below, paraphrase some of the more prominent aphorisms from Nature. 2) Underline and define any words you do not know in order to help you understand the aphorism.

1. “If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown” (Emerson 242).

Paraphrase:

2. “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child” (Emerson 242).

Paraphrase:

3. “In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows” (Emerson 242).

Paraphrase:

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4. “In the woods is perpetual youth” (Emerson 243). Paraphrase:

5. “Standing on the bare ground…all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcel of God” (Emerson 243).

Paraphrase:

6. “In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature” (Emerson 243).

Paraphrase:

7. “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” (Emerson 243). Paraphrase:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Remember, the theme of a literary work can be defined as a central idea or statement that unifies and controls an entire literary work. The theme is the author’s way of communicating and sharing ideas, perceptions and feelings with readers. It may be stated directly or simply implied. In other words, the theme is the author’s message.

Finally: based on the aphorisms from Nature, what is the theme of the selection?

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Name:____________________________________ Date:________________________ Pd:__________TRANCENDENTALISM POSTER

INTERPRETATION OF THE TRANSCENDENTALISTS’ IDEASObjective: You will create a poster showing a select list of “aphorisms” found in the readings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and an interpretation of those aphorisms that shows the meanings in “plain” English. By doing so, you will create a list that describes the beliefs of the Transcendentalists.

Assessment: The poster will be graded using the scoring sheet shown at the bottom of the page and will be worth 25 points.

Process: 18

Review class worksheets for aphorisms. in your group choosing three favored quotes. Compile on poster paper along with the interpretation of the quote. In other words, what does the quote

mean?

Criteria for the poster: Write in large, easy to see and read letters. Pair the quote together with the meaning. Illustrate as time and creativity allow. Include a title and the names of all members of the group. Attach one scoring sheet to the bottom of your poster.

Reviewing posters: With a partner from your group, rotate around the room viewing all posters. Leaving comments on

classmates’ posters using sticky notes. o Meaningful comments:

“Your interpretation seems accurate,” “Creative presentation!” etc…o Meaningless comments:

“Nice work,” “OK ideas,” “I don’t agree,” etc…-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SCORING:

Accurate Interpretation /15

Appropriate Aphorism Choice /5

Neatness & Creative Presentation /5

TOTAL /25

MEMBERS OF THE GROUP (last names, too):

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from… “SELF-RELIANCE”Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the main writers and thinkers during the Transcendental Period. He was, therefore, one of the leading people to believe that all should be true to themselves and should avoid non-necessities in life.

In his essay “Self-Reliance,” Emerson’s attempt is to teach the reader that they need to be self-reliant and true to themselves.

Before Reading Questions: Discuss with your group What does self-reliance mean to you? At what age do you think all people should be self-reliant?

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What is the problem when people never become self-reliant? What qualities do people need to possess to become completely self reliant?

During/After Reading Questions: What does Emerson consider to be “true genius”? Why? (page 245)

What does Emerson mean by “envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion…”? (page 246)

Why do Emerson’s words get particularly strong when he says “Trust thyself”? Why does he believe we do not trust ourselves? (page 246)

What is meant by “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist”? (page 247)

What is the main message of Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”? (page 246)

Why is it especially necessary for people to read this essay today?

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On the lines below, you are going to write a journal that outlines the ways that you are self-reliant and how you will continue to become more and more self-reliant. Be sure to focus on the importance of self-reliance for a society and

how you are working towards this goal. (10 sentences)

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From “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau is one of the best and most influential writers from the Transcendentalist Period, and yet, he did not gain his popularity until almost 60 years after his death. When he died at the age of 44, few people outside of Concord, Massachusetts even knew who he was. Thoreau dedicated his life to the quiet reflection while in Nature. In order to have a quiet place to write, Thoreau convinced Emerson to allow him to build a cabin (10 feet x 15 feet) on his Walden Pond property. Thoreau lived there for two years, two months, and two days. He was not a hermit, though, as he visited friends and relatives in nearby Concord almost every day. “Walden” describes his life while living in solitude.

Another reputable work by Thoreau is “Civil Disobedience,” which he wrote after he was arrested for not paying a small tax to support the Mexican-American War and the continuation of slavery. He spent one night in jail before his aunt paid the tax. We are not going to read “Civil Disobedience,” but it’s important to note that Thoreau was anti-established government; therefore, strongly believing that the individual should attest to his own right and wrong.

PRE-READING for “WALDEN”:24

Make a list of the things you worry about every day. Be honest…you are only sharing this if you want to.

Make a list of the things that are the most important in life.

Why do human beings worry themselves over trifle matters? Provide examples of when/how people can ruin their lives over something that is essentially not very meaningful?

During Reading Questions:1. Why did Thoreau go into the woods? (page 253)

2. What is Thoreau trying to teach the reader when he says, “Our life is frittered away by detail”…”Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”? (page 253)

3. Give an example of how Thoreau wanted to simplify his life. (page 253)

4. According to Thoreau, is it better to do less with higher quality or more with lower quality? Do you agree? Why or why not? (page 253)

5. Even though this essay was published over 150 years ago (in 1854), Thoreau still gives the message to slow down and to not be in such a hurry. Do you think people need to hear the same message today? Do you think people will listen? Do you think slowing down will ever be an option for humanity? Explain.

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6. Thoreau states at the bottom of page 254 that man should not obsess or seek bad news (robberies, murders, death, etc.). Thoreau states, “One is enough. If you are acquainted with the principle, what do you care for a myriad [countless] instances and applications?” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain. (page 254)

7. Why does Thoreau say he left the woods? (page 255)

8. What did Thoreau learn from his experience in the woods? (page 255)

Emily Dickinson “I HEARD A FLY BUZZ WHEN I DIED”

“BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH”

Many of Emily Dickinson’s poems focus on death and the afterlife. It seems almost natural to be curious about death. Have you ever wondered what it will be like for you or what will occur afterwards? Provide your thoughts below.

The two Dickinson poems we will be reading all focus on death; however, they take on a different “picture” of death. After reading, determine which poem best fits with your idea of death.

I heard a Fly buzz - when I died BY EMILY DICKINSON

I heard a Fly buzz - when I died -The Stillness in the RoomWas like the Stillness in the Air -Between the Heaves of Storm -

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The Eyes around - had wrung them dry -And Breaths were gathering firmFor that last Onset - when the KingBe witnessed - in the Room -

I willed my Keepsakes - Signed awayWhat portion of me beAssignable - and then it wasThere interposed a Fly -

With Blue - uncertain - stumbling Buzz -Between the light - and me -And then the Windows failed - and thenI could not see to see -

“I HEARD A FLY BUZZ WHEN I DIED” by Emily DickinsonDuring/After Reading Questions

1. What does the fly in this poem symbolize?

2. What does the King in this poem symbolize?

3. The speaker in the poem takes certain measures before her death, such as willing away possessions and preparing for the afterlife. But, as she dies, she sees a fly that gets in the way of light. What do you think the poet is saying about afterlife from this poem?

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Because I could not stop for Deathby Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me –  The Carriage held but just Ourselves –  And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no hasteAnd I had put awayMy labor and my leisure too,For His Civility – 

We passed the School, where Children stroveAt Recess – in the Ring –  We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –  We passed the Setting Sun – 

Or rather – He passed us – The Dews drew quivering and chill – For only Gossamer, my Gown – 

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My Tippet – only Tulle – 

We paused before a House that seemedA Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible – The Cornice – in the Ground – 

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yetFeels shorter than the DayI first surmised the Horses' Heads Were toward Eternity – 

“BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH” by Emily DickinsonDuring/After Reading Questions

1. How is death portrayed in this poem? How do you think the speaker feels about death?

2. In what ways does the speaker use personification in this poem?

3. While the speaker travels along with death, she passes four areas. What are they and what do they symbolize?

a.

b.

c.

d.

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4. What is the purpose of the speaker writing in the last stanza that she has been dead for centuries, but it feels shorter than a day?

5. Illustrate the differences among Dickinson’s three poems and what they say about death and the afterlife.

I HEARD A FLY BUZZ WHEN I DIED

BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH

DEATH and the AFTERLIFE…

WALT WHITMAN“When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer”

“O Captain, My Captain!”

Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. He was a transcendentalist, but also very patriotic. Many of his poems deal with personal freedoms, the pursuit of knowledge, and upholding American ideal.

“When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer” – Walt Whitman

Pre-reading: In the space below, spend 10 minutes free-writing about a time when you found yourself daydreaming because something you expected to be interesting was dull and tedious.

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Post – reading: After analyzing the poem, how did Whitman’s description compare with your experience?

Walt Whitman – I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer

When I heard the learn'd astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.

1. What techniques does the astronomer use to present information? What does this suggest to you about the astronomer’s approach to his subject?

2. What does the speaker do in lines 6-8? What conclusions can you draw about the speaker based on these actions?

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3. How does the speaker’s method for “studying” the stars differ from the astronomer’s method? What does this difference imply about the speaker’s values?

4. Notice the use of the repetition of the phrase “When I.” Why do you think Whitman chose to do this? In other words, what effect does it have on the poem?

5. Ultimately, what do you think was happening to the poet when he “Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars”? Upon further review, what is the theme of the poem?

Historical Context: The poem was written as a memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated five days after the Confederacy surrendered to the Union at Appomattox. It was published in Whitman’s book Drum-taps and Sequel in 1865. Before the Civil War, Whitman had written and edited news articles for several newspapers, but his break-through publication was entitled Leaves of Grass and was published in 1855. During the Civil War, Whitman spent most of his time as a volunteer nurse in a war hospital in Washington D.C. and as a part-time clerk in the army paymaster’s office. While working for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Whitman attended President Lincoln’s second inauguration.

WALT WHITMAN- O Captain! My Captain!

O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack,the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart!O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! My Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up- for you the flag is flung- for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths- for you the shores a-crowding,For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;Here Captain! dear father!This arm beneath your head!

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It is some dream that on the deck,You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;Exult O shores, and ring O bells!But I with mournful tread,Walk the deck my Captain lies,Fallen cold and dead.

Figurative Language: As you reflect on the poem, identify and explain the following poetic devices. Provide a quote from the poem to support your claims.

Extended Metaphor

Allusion

Apostrophe

Study and Discussion1. Given the background information, who is the “Captain” and what is “the fearful trip” and what is

“the ship” mentioned in the first line?

2. What does the imagery in lines 2 and 3 tell you? What is the “prize” that was won?

3. What does the repetition of “heart! heart! heart!” tell us about the speaker of the poem’s realization about the Captain?

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4. In the first three lines of stanza two, the speaker asks the Captain to “rise up and hear the bells.” In essence, the speaker laments that his Captain, having led his crew bravely to victory, will not receive the fanfare that is his just due. As a result, many of the images have dual meaning. Consider the following:

Bells Flag Bugle

5. What is the significance of the speaker calling his Captain “father” for the first time?

6. The last four lines of the poem seem to contradict each other. What message is Whitman sending through this contrast?

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM TRANSCENDENTAL PERIOD…

1. What did you learn about America during this time period?

2. How did the main writers of the Transcendental Movement feel about Nature and individuality?

3. What did the writers during this time want you to really learn about mortality and individuality?

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