Names:
AmStud
American Romanticism
Discussion: “Thanatopsis” and
Rip Van Winkle
PAIR PREP WORK: Review the Key Characteristics of Romanticism on the inside cover of the packet before you begin to discuss and complete this document.
“Thanatopsis”
1. Based on the six key characteristics, discuss why this poem has been labeled the most important American Romanticism poem (refer specifically to the characteristics that apply.)
2. What elements of both Puritanism and Rationalism can you find in this poem (be specific)?
Rip Van Winkle
1. Even though he was a failure as a farmer, Rip Van Winkle was a success as a human being. What were the most praiseworthy qualities that he possessed? How is this a
Romantic notion?
2. Irving using personification to give a personality the natural surroundings in "Rip Van
Winkle." Show examples of this. Why does he do this? What do we learn about the character and theme of the story through this?
3. When Rip returns to his village, he learns that Dame Van Winkle has died and that his fellow Americans liberated themselves from English rule in a revolutionary war. What do the war and the death of Rip's wife have in common in terms of how Rip will live the rest of his life? How is this a Romantic lesson for us all?
AmStud Romanticism Ms. Dana Knox

Final Thoughts:
1. How has your reading of these two works expanded or deepened your understanding of Romanticism?
2. Write, for yourself, one more time, a definition of Romanticism.
AmStud Romanticism Ms. Dana Knox