LITR 4328: American Renaissance

Model Assignments Final Exam Essays 2017 (final exam assignment) Sample answers for A1. learning about American Renaissance

Christa Van Allen

What I Learned in Boating School is…

          Please, pardon my SpongeBob reference. If you got that, I applaud you. Join me in my silly humor! Now, to address my growing educational résumé. I am pleasantly surprised with how much I have gleaned from this semester. American Renaissance is not necessarily a class I expected to feel engaged in, but the open discussions were very informative and I was happy to find my voice well received. I found new and interesting techniques that I could incorporate into my own writing as well, whether it be scholarly or recreational.

          The abridged version of the Romantic period that students are exposed to in their initial education creates the impression of overly flowery language and abstract wandering in an aimless direction. It can be that, but only on the surface level. Looking deeper, you will find symbolic exploration and occasionally some very thought-provoking questions. I feel that on a subconscious level, transcendental thinking helps people to work out their problems by directing their energy to something that is low energy. When your mind is cleared, suddenly solutions can come up.

          I have learned that Romanticism is a style of writing through contemplation. It carries with it the techniques established in the English Romantic Era and provides the foundation for the Realist Era. Its subgenres include the Gothic, the sublime, transcendentalism and prose poetry. Spiritually oriented European Romanticism is what most recognize when they begin studying the literature. This is what is most commonly used to tell stories and exaggerate experiences. For example, the famous Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. Though an American poet he still clearly took inspiration from the European style of Romanticism to build up American Gothicism. The Raven was a highly symbolic expression of mourning a lover. It is at once unsettling and then sorrowful when interpreted.

          American Romanticism appears to be the act of expanding a subject to larger than life extremes and then pulling out a microscope to examine the minute details. It tends to say, “Okay, so what does this make you think of? Really? Please elaborate on that.” It is more contemplative in my opinion. If I had to pick a text that most clearly gave me this impression it would have to be Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, The Minister’s Black Veil. Throughout the parable, the reader is equally inspired to question the parishioners as they are the minister who has taken to the titular black veil.

          By the time it ends we still have no clear answers. Why has this single change so consumed the town? Did we deserve answers or was it none of our business? This specific story draws a picture of a gloomy, but kind man who sought to gently teach his faith. Suddenly his preaching comes off as more intimidating and powerful. The lesson places grave importance on the simple ability to see someone’s face. It exemplifies just how impactful taking from realistic sources can be on your audience. It similarly illustrates the required excellence in word choice that Romanticism seems to favor.

          The Romanticism of the American Renaissance was worth experiencing. I feel it has improved me as a writer. What techniques Romanticism and its sub genres impress on the reader are great for achieving a contemplative picture or telling a highly metaphorical story. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to engage with others and hear their perspectives on the material. The course was very clear and concise. It is no wonder why these narratives are considered classics and it was nice to get an expanded look at the texts attributed to the era.