Transcendentalism was a system developed in 1836 that was a reaction to rationalism. However, transcendentalism is more than just a social and philosophical movement; it is the light that directs one through the tunnel of reality. Although an idea of the past, transcendentalism is still extremely relevant, especially in the twenty-first century. It can teach the youths of this generation that divinity pervades all nature and humanity, and being independent and self reliant can open one’s mind to
The movie Dead Poets’ Society explores the concept of individualism in great depth. The numerous conflicts that the characters face throughout the movie demonstrate the fundamental principles of existentialism and transcendentalism. From standing atop desks to kicking soccer balls while quoting Walt Whitman, the schoolboys in English teacher John Keating’s class learn to walk the path of the individualist, the non-conformist, and the “extraordinary”. In other words, the Romantic. The story of these
Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. America's involvement in World War II influenced the creation of works such as Norman Mailer's The Naked and the Dead (1948), Joseph Heller's Catch-22 (1961) and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s Slaughterhouse-Five (1969). John Updike was notable for his novel Rabbit, Run (1960). Philip Roth explores Jewish identity in American society. From the
The Enigmatic and Endowment Life of Edgar Allan Poe The 19th century sparked multiple events that would transform the United States as the industrial giant of the world, which would lead to the development of today’s society. For instance, the Louisiana Purchase was a major development that would double the size of the new born nation. The result of the transaction between France and the United States sparked the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark. The purpose was to find a route to the Pacific
INTRODUCTION AMERICAN LITERATURE American literature is the literature written or produced in the area of the United States and its preceding colonies. During its early history America was a series of British colonies on the eastern coast of the present day United States. Therefore it is literary tradition of English literature. However, unique American characteristics and the breadth of its production usually now cause it to be considered a separate path and tradition. The New England colonies