1. American Renaissance II: The Dark Romantics

2. Recap! The term “renaissance” means “_________.” Applies to the years ____________ This period marked the _________ __ ______________ ___________.

3. Duality The American Renaissance was a slightly confusing time for literature…because we are a confusing people “Emerson’s idealism was exciting stuff for his audiences, but not all the writers and thinkers of the time were in agreement with Transcendentalist thought” (Red p. 185). “To Herman Melville, Emerson’s optimism was ‘nonsense’ that ignored the ‘disagreeable facts’ of life (Blue p. 184)

4. Duality Carl Jung, anyone? Duality of man: A philosophical construct that emphasizes the two opposing sides of the nature of mankind (i.e. good vs. evil, emotion vs. reason) Helps to explain the time period as well as human nature in general “Melville says that this great power of darkness in Hawthorne ‘derives its force from its appeals to that Calvinistic sense of innate depravity and Original Sin…’” (p. 186).

5. Romantic Literature The American Romantic Era also saw the evolution of the “Gothic novel” (stories with exotic and mysterious settings often with supernatural or macabre subject matter); Extreme detail in order of events Use of figurative language (i.e. imagery, symbolism, metaphor) Sensory details

6. Gothic Horror Use of plot, characters, and settings “Plots often focused on mysterious happenings, tragic events, and hideous outcomes” (Blue 184) “Characters are often mad, half-mad, or frightened to death. They may exhibit strange behavior and physical traits” (Blue 184) “Settings are dark and often contain decayed dwellings with shadowy passageways, haunting sounds, and damp rooms” (Blue 184)

7. Poe and Hawthorne Predominant figures of American literature Poe: Most recognized name in Am. Literature? Sought “the mystical realm through the derangement of the senses” (Red 186) Hawthorne: Like other Romantic contemporaries (Longfellow, Irving), used popular culture to change our perception Explored the “psychological effects of sin” (Red 186)

8. “Based on True Events” Phrase often seen in describing origins of a film or other literary expression What does it really mean? Idea is clearly seen in the works of Poe and Hawthorne “Confessional” writing

9. Questions? Comments? Are you sure?