Transcendentalism
Bell Work
Emerson said that being in nature can
make one feel less selfish. What do you
think he meant by this? Why might this
occur? Do you believe this to be true? Be
prepared to share your answers.
What are we doing today?
Standards:
•
RL 2 Determine two or more themes or
central ideas of a text and analyze their
development over the course of the text,
including how they interact and build on one
another to produce a complex account;
provide an objective summary of the text.
•
RL9 Analyze documents of literary
significance for their themes, purposes, and
rhetorical figures.
•
W2b Develop the topic by selecting the most
significant and relevant facts, extended
definitions, concrete details, quotations, and
other information and examples.
Objectives
• You will learn the definitions
of theme, author’s belief, and
central idea
• You will read literature to
identify and analyze theme,
author’s belief, and central
idea
• You will annotate literature to
gain deeper understanding
Question #1
• What would happen if you were forced to go without any
electronics for a week? What good might come from this?
Question #2
• Do you express your opinions when they aren’t popular? Why
or why not? Do you find it easy to do? Can you give an
example?
Question #3
• What is your definition of “success”?
Question #4
• Would you accept very low pay for a job you loved? Why or
why not?
Question #5
• What does it mean to be an individual? Is individuality
important to you? Do you consider yourself to be an
individual?
Question #6
• Do think that humans are connected to nature in any way?
What is the connection?
What is Transcendentalism?
(Write this information in your notebook)
from Page 369
• Theory that every individual is capable of discovering higher
truths on his or her own (rise above)
• Belief that people are inherently good and should follow
their own beliefs (self-reliance)
• Belief that humans, nature, and God are all interconnected
Analyzing Literature!
(Write this in your notebook)
• Theme
• The Underlying Message
• Author’s Belief
• Authors tone/diction
• Central Ideas
• Smaller messages within the big message; quotable quotes
What is the
theme, author’s
belief, and
central idea?
Read “Nature” on pg. 373
together
“Nature”
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let’s look at it together
• Theme:
• Author’s belief:
• Central Ideas:
With a partner, re-read through “Nature” and identify the theme.
Author’s belief, and Central Ideas
Be prepared to share!
“Self-Reliance”
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
•
Page 370
What is Emerson’s theme?
• What is he trying to say about life? What’s his message?
•
What is the author’s belief
• What is his tone? What significant words does he use?
•
What are the central ideas?
• What lines jump out to you? Which lines are appealing, likeable, engaging?
On your own, read and annotate “Self-reliance,” answering the above questions.
Answer questions and follow all directions on your handout.
Be prepared to share!
Quiz over 2 Emerson essays on Friday!
Exit Ticket:
• What characteristics of Transcendentalism appeal to you?
What beliefs are guiding principles in your life?
• Summarize these characteristics/beliefs and explain why they
are meaningful to you.