Hopefully you know by now that a huge part of being a great writer involves being an avid reader—and vice versa!
In your journey towards becoming an effective reader and writer, building a foundational knowledge of the periods of literature, the major writers in those periods, and the styles and themes associated with those periods will be very useful.
And while the unit focused on more modern-day news and journalism, it’s important to also examine more historical written works to ensure that you are well-versed in a variety of texts and writings.
So, for this activity, you will explore a variety of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature and compare and contrast how these texts from the same periods address common themes and topics.
To do this, you will create a chart complete with visuals and graphics to gain some practice with translating textual information to graphic form.
Step 1
Since literature from the same time period or movement will often feature similar themes or topics, you will choose one literary movement (time period) to explore on your chart.
Some literary movements that you might consider:
Romanticism/Transcendentalism
American Enlightenment
Gothic/Southern Gothic
Modernism/ Stream-of-Consciousness
Harlem Renaissance
Step 2
Once you have decided what time period you will explore on your chart, you will choose two pieces of American literature to focus on and compare and contrast their themes relating to the time period on your chart. One side of the chart will focus on one piece of literature and the other side on the second piece of literature (just to point out the obvious!).
You will need to already be familiar with these pieces of literature or you will need to read them and become familiar with them for this activity.
The literature you choose may be found in the form of novels, poems, plays, or even song lyrics or political writings.
After you have chosen at least two pieces of literature, it’s time to create your chart!
On your chart, you will need to include the following information in general and for each piece of literature:
Time Period/Literary Movement (this can be done in a space above the chart)
specific dates of time period
three to four characteristics, themes, or topics related to the movement(s)
three to four keywords that represent common themes or topics in literature during the period(s) with definitions and an example of being used in sentence
one to three images that you feel best represent the period(s)/literary movement(s)
two to three of the most famous authors from the movement(s)
Literature
two specific pieces of literature with the title, author(s), and date published clearly expressed at the top of the appropriate side of the chart
a brief and objective summary of each literary work including the topic/theme
small excerpts from each piece of literature that show the patterns/themes of the period
keywords used in each piece of literature that represent the theme(s) with definitions and the sentence the word is used in the literature
two (or more) images/graphics to represent each literary work and/or author
a brief evaluation of how well you feel this piece of literature addresses the themes/topics of the time period
For example:
You have chosen to focus on the American Enlightenment and literature from this time period.
You might explore people like Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and John Locke who were known for debating the new American government and rights of the people.
You might research how enlightenment authors wrote during a complicated time of with quickly-changing political movements.
Keywords might include ‘religious freedom,’ ‘liberty,’ ‘justice,’ ‘people’s rights,’ ‘government’, etc.
Literature might include Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac or Voltaire’s Candide.
After completing your chart, please write a paragraph that offers an overview of how you feel the themes of your chosen literary movement are represented and are different or similar in each piece of literature.
While you have all the creative freedom that you want to create your chart, the following set-up can serve as a guide:
To create a chart comparing and contrasting the themes and topics of two pieces of literature from a specific literary movement, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Literary Movement
Choose one of the literary movements listed, such as Romanticism/Transcendentalism, American Enlightenment, Gothic/Southern Gothic, Modernism/Stream-of-Consciousness, or Harlem Renaissance. This will be the focus of your chart.
Step 2: Select Literature
Choose two pieces of literature from the chosen literary movement. These can be novels, poems, plays, song lyrics, or political writings. Make sure you are familiar with these works or take the time to read and understand them.
Step 3: Create the Chart
On your chart, include the following information:
- Time Period/Literary Movement: Write the specific dates of the literary movement and list three to four characteristics, themes, or topics related to the movement. This information can be placed above the chart.
- Keywords: Choose three to four keywords that represent common themes or topics in literature during the chosen period. Provide definitions and examples of how these keywords are used in sentences.
- Images: Include one to three images that you feel best represent the literary movement.
- Famous Authors: List two to three of the most well-known authors from the movement.
For each piece of literature:
- Title and Author: Clearly express the title, author(s), and date of publication at the top of the appropriate side of the chart.
- Summary: Provide a brief and objective summary of each literary work, including the main topic or theme.
- Excerpts: Include small excerpts from each piece of literature that demonstrate the patterns and themes of the literary movement.
- Keywords in Literature: Identify keywords used in each piece of literature that represent the themes. Provide definitions and the sentences in which the words are used.
- Images/Graphics: Include two or more images or graphics that represent each literary work and/or author.
- Evaluation: Offer a brief evaluation of how well you feel each piece of literature addresses the themes and topics of the chosen literary movement.
When you have completed your chart, write a paragraph that provides an overview of how the themes of the chosen literary movement are represented and how they may be different or similar in each piece of literature. This paragraph should analyze and compare the themes in a thoughtful manner.
Remember, while you have creative freedom in designing your chart, use the given guidelines as a helpful structure.
Step 1: Choose a Literary Movement/Time Period
For this activity, let's choose the Romanticism/Transcendentalism literary movement.
Step 2: Choose Two Pieces of Literature
1. "Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Published in 1836)
Summary: "Nature" is an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson that explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world. It emphasizes the importance of experiencing nature firsthand and finding spiritual fulfillment through a connection with the natural world.
Excerpt:
"In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life - no disgrace, no calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground - my head bathed by the blithe air and uplifted into infinite space - all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God."
Keywords:
- Connection: The essay explores the idea of connecting with nature and finding spiritual fulfillment through this connection.
- Transcendence: Emerson introduces the concept of transcending the self and becoming one with the universal being through the experience of nature.
- Individuality: The essay emphasizes the importance of individuality and finding one's unique place within the natural world.
2. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Published in 1850)
Summary: "The Scarlet Letter" is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne set in 17th-century Puritan Boston. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' as a symbol of her adultery. The novel explores themes of sin, redemption, and the effects of societal judgment.
Excerpt:
"On a field, sable, the letter A, gules."
(Describing Hester's scarlet letter)
Keywords:
- Sin and Guilt: The novel delves into the consequences of sin and guilt and the impact it has on individuals and society.
- Judgment: Society's judgment and the way it ostracizes individuals who deviate from social norms is a central theme in "The Scarlet Letter."
- Redemption: The novel also explores the possibility of redemption and how individuals can find peace and forgiveness for their past mistakes.
Chart Setup:
Name of Literary Movement: Romanticism/Transcendentalism
Characteristics/Themes/Topics:
1. Connection with Nature and Spirituality
2. Transcendence and Self-discovery
3. Individuality and Non-conformity
Famous Authors:
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
Literary Works:
1. "Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1836)
- Summary: An essay that explores the relationship between humanity and nature, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and spiritual connection with the natural world.
- Excerpt: "In the woods, we return to reason and faith..." (quote mentioned above)
- Keywords: Connection, Transcendence, Individuality
- Images/Graphics: A serene landscape, a person meditating in nature
2. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850)
- Summary: A novel set in Puritan Boston that explores themes of sin, redemption, and societal judgment through the story of Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter.
- Excerpt: "On a field, sable, the letter A, gules." (quote mentioned above)
- Keywords: Sin and Guilt, Judgment, Redemption
- Images/Graphics: The scarlet letter 'A', a Puritan settlement
Evaluation:
Both "Nature" and "The Scarlet Letter" address themes of self-discovery, individuality, and the consequences of societal judgment. However, while Emerson's work focuses on the connection between humanity and nature, Hawthorne's novel delves more into the darker aspects of human nature, including guilt and sin. Despite these differences, both pieces of literature highlight the importance of personal experiences and the exploration of one's own identity.