LITR 4232 American Renaissance 2012 Student Midterm Samples 3. Web Highlights: Review at least 3 posts from course website's Model Assignments (4-6 paragraphs)

Kat Henderson

3.     Pick and Choose Romanticism: A Web Review

“While the theme of escapism is often found throughout the literature from that time period, romantic novels and poems offer an escape from a harsher reality. It is appealing to imagine that there is a transcendental universe that is waiting to be discovered, as postulated by Emerson in Nature. It is alluring to believe that the power of love could conquer even the absolute end of death, such as Poe describes in Ligeia.” Amber Criswell

“This more spiritualized expression of romanticism relates not only the human to nature but the human to the divine. Emerson says he is, “part or particle of God” that must transcend society, the everyday and even the adult mind in order to fully enjoy the transcendentalist nature.” Jennifer Martin

“Thoreau takes the idea of nature and instead of looking at the nature around oneself, explores the nature inside oneself.  “Resistance to Civil Government” compels readers to look inside themselves, see where they stand on issues, and not only say something about it, but do something about it.” AA

Each of these submissions shows, in my opinion, an aspect of how Romanticism is intended to create a lasting effect on its readers.  As the first submission shows, it can be used as an escape from reality.  One of Emerson’s main points in his writing is to motivate the reader to shed his societal chains and transcend to a higher state, as described in submission two.  The third submission shows Thoreau’s belief that a person should take a solid stand for the things in which they believe.

While I agree with the first submission that Romanticism offers an escape from reality, I must argue that it is not meant to merely be a pleasant escape.  Yes it is “appealing” and “alluring” to imagine there are greater forces such as nature and love at work in the world, but it is my belief that many Romantic authors are adamant in their belief in these concepts.  Emerson did not write Nature simply to remind humanity that nature existed.  His writing compels people to action and individual growth.  While Poe’s writings are dark and generally twisted they still show a depth of love and passion to which every heart can aspire.  To speak dispassionately about fundamental ideas of Romanticism seems a pity to me.

The second submission does justice to Emerson’s idea of transcendence.  It fully shows his connection to God and hints towards the concepts of the Over-Soul.  It also fully develops the obstacles that must be overcome to reach transcendence.   All in all, I felt that this submission was an excellent description of Emerson’s philosophy on life based on his written works.

Submission three is probably my favorite.  AA shows in two sentences the importance of “Resistance to Civil Government.”  I have always been taught that a crucial aspect of Romanticism is the internal motivation to action that springs from deep belief.  As one teacher explained it, “If you aren’t willing to hitchhike across the US to attend a rally for your cause, then you aren’t a Romantic.”  Thoreau is stressing to do just that.  He places emphasis on actions over words.

While the call for action in the works by Emerson and Thoreau are very obvious, this is not always true in other Romantic writers.  In The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper urges closer examination of color stereotypes and the roles they play.  Warner’s The Wide, Wide World continually shows the value of hard work and perseverance.  It is through this push for change that Romanticism has a lasting effect.