1. Literature Reform, 1800-1850 Transcendentalist Thinking and Reform in Literature Robin and Martin

2. British Literature Previous Earlier literature was more resigned, a different style of thinking Neoclassical Period (1660-1798) Focus on logic/reason, and wisdom Attention on the individual, inherent evil in people Stylized in many mediums Poetry Essay Novels Letters/biographies/journals Satire

3. American Literature Previous First pilgrims to America used simple story telling and literature. Puritan writing was either simple or non-existent Most found writings have been in diaries Journals about the Native Americans and Europeans Age of Reason. Filled with ideas of reality and independence meant for the author and the reader.

4. Rise of Transcendentalism, 1830’s/40’s Began as something of a “revolt against society” Central belief that the spirit is bigger than one’s physical body. Based around an important and all-encompassing set of “principles”. Called by many as the “first great intellectual movement”.

5. Ralph Waldo Emerson American essayist, poet, lecturer Championed individualism Wrote Nature, Self Reliance, and Essays (First and Second Series)

6. Henry David Thoreau American author, poet, philosopher, naturalist Wrote Walden, Civil Disobedience Championed simple living

7. Other Important Thinkers Margaret Fuller Journalist, women’s advocate, critic, abolitionist First full-time book critic in history of journalism Amos Bronson Alcott Teacher, writer, philosopher, reformer Vegan, women’s rights advocate, abolitionist

8. Criticism for Transcendentalism Edgar Allen Poe was heavily against transcendentalist thinking. Compared them to frogs in a pond. Among other things, said the idea was “mysticism for mysticism’s sake.” Overall questioned their legitimacy.

9. Bibliography http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/gdumler/english%2 05a/periods%20&%20timelines/british_literature_timeli ne.htm http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/gdumler/english%2 05a/periods%20&%20timelines/british_literature_timeli ne.htm http://prezi.com/mmar4ass7nsh/timeline-of-american- literature/ http://prezi.com/mmar4ass7nsh/timeline-of-american- literature/ http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/transcendentalism/ http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/amtrans.htm

10. Bibliography Part 2 Howe, Daniel W. What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. Various Authors. The American Pageant. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. Print.