Unit 2: The American Renaissance

What was the American Renaissance?

• A time in which Americans looked to other countries for guidance.

• A time in which people wanted American literature to be notably different from British literature.

• A time in which a resurgence of English influence was seen.

• A time in which the content of American literature was unpopular.

Because they believed society was corrupted, the Romantics valued _______ over the city.

• nature

• people

• the city

• pets

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Why did American authors want to highlight young, innocent characters that gain experience or 'Coming of Age' stories?

• It was a symbol for Great Britain's learning experience from the Revolutionary War.

• It was a symbol for the young and newly independent nation

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

Which of the following accurately describes Transcendentalism?

• A belief that you must read only the Bible, wear dark and drab clothing, and never write fiction.

• A belief that you need to be realistic and logical, and live in the city.

• A belief that you must escape society and 'transcend' back to nature to truly connect with your inner self.

Which of the following accurately describes Dark Romanticism?

• It is the pessimistic side of the Renaissance, exploring the psychological darkness of the human mind.

• It is the logical side of the time period, where speeches and nonfiction writing are completed in the city.

• It is a time of joy and lightness, where people are always happy.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

This individual was a former pastor who questioned his beliefs after the death of his wife. He is considered the founder of Transcendentalism.

• Edgar Allan Poe

• Herman Melville

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

• John Proctor

This essay, considered the unofficial belief statement of Transcendentalism, explains that all questions can be answered by connecting with nature and finding one’s inner self. What is the essay and who is the author? (see slide 12 in the Unit 2: Part I Notes)

• Life in the City by Henry David Thoreau

• Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson

• On Walden Pond by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

American Dark Romanticism usually contains the following elements:

• Colorful and crowded settings, realistic plots, and themes connected to practical situations.

• Happy and joyous settings, realistic elements, and themes connected to the story ending happily.

• Bleak or remote settings, supernatural or otherworldly elements, and themes connected to harsh realities.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

Works of Dark Romanticism were usually nonfiction with little creativity.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.5

Who is the author of the famous Dark Romantic poem "The Raven"?

• Edgar Allan Poe

• Virginia Woolf

• Emily Dickinson

• T.S. Elliot

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9