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.
I have chosen to focus on the Romanticism/Transcendentalism literary movement in American literature for my chart. This movement emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries and emphasized the individual, nature, and the spiritual realm. Some common themes and topics associated with this movement include the power of imagination, the sublime beauty of nature, and the search for truth and meaning.
For one side of the chart, I have chosen Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Nature." Published in 1836, "Nature" explores the interconnectedness between man and nature, and advocates for individuals to seek truth and inspiration in the natural world. Excerpts from the essay highlight Emerson's belief in the spiritual significance of nature and the need to cultivate a deeper connection with it. Keywords such as "sublime," "transcendence," and "intuition" represent the themes of the essay.
On the other side of the chart, I have chosen Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850. Set in Puritan New England, the novel explores themes of sin, guilt, and the search for identity. While "The Scarlet Letter" may seem at odds with the themes of Romanticism, it can be seen as a critique of the oppressive social and religious norms of the time. Excerpts from the novel reveal Hawthorne's exploration of the inner psyche of his characters and their struggle for redemption. Keywords such as "sin," "isolation," and "hypocrisy" represent the themes of the novel.
In comparing these two works, it is evident that they both address common themes of individualism and the search for truth, albeit in different contexts. "Nature" focuses on the connection between man and nature, emphasizing the spirituality and healing power of the natural world. On the other hand, "The Scarlet Letter" delves into the inner turmoil of characters grappling with societal expectations and the consequences of their actions.
Overall, the themes of Romanticism/Transcendentalism are represented in both works, although they are approached from different angles. While "Nature" celebrates the beauty and transcendence found in nature, "The Scarlet Letter" explores the struggles faced by individuals in a society driven by judgement and conformity. Both pieces of literature invite readers to reflect on the human condition and the pursuit of truth and authenticity.
In order to answer this question effectively, it is important to gather information about the chosen literary movement and the two pieces of literature being compared. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose a Literary Movement
Consider the options provided, such as Romanticism/Transcendentalism, American Enlightenment, Gothic/Southern Gothic, Modernism/ Stream-of-Consciousness, or Harlem Renaissance. Select one movement that interests you and for which you can find enough information and literature.
Step 2: Select Two Pieces of Literature
Choose two works of literature from the chosen time period or movement. These can be novels, poems, plays, song lyrics, or political writings. Ensure that you are either already familiar with both pieces or that you are willing to read and become familiar with them for this activity.
Step 3: Create a Chart
On your chart, include the following information:
- Time Period/Literary Movement: Provide the specific dates of the period or movement, as well as three to four characteristics, themes, or topics related to it.
- Keywords: List three to four keywords that represent common themes or topics in literature during the period, and provide definitions for each keyword. Include an example of each keyword being used in a sentence.
- Images: Include one to three images that you feel best represent the period or literary movement.
- Famous Authors: Identify two to three of the most well-known authors from the movement.
- Literature: Clearly express the titles, authors, and publication dates of the two specific pieces of literature being compared.
- Summary: Provide a brief and objective summary of each literary work, including the topic or theme it addresses.
- Excerpts: Include small excerpts from each piece of literature that demonstrate the patterns or themes of the period.
- Keywords in Literature: Identify keywords used in each piece of literature that represent the themes, and provide their definitions. Include the sentence in which each keyword is used in the literature.
- Images/Graphics: Add two or more images or graphics to represent each literary work or author.
- Evaluation: Write a brief evaluation of how well you feel each piece of literature addresses the themes or topics of the chosen time period.
Step 4: Write an Overview
After completing the chart, write a paragraph that offers an overview of how the themes of the chosen literary movement are represented and differ or resemble each other in each piece of literature. Analyze the similarities and differences in the way the themes are portrayed, and provide examples from the chart to support your analysis.
By following these steps, you can effectively compare and contrast the themes and topics of two pieces of literature from a specific literary movement and provide an insightful overview of their representation in your paragraph.
To start this activity, you will need to choose one literary movement to explore on your chart. Let's say you decide to focus on the Romanticism/Transcendentalism movement.
Next, you will need to choose two pieces of American literature from this period to compare and contrast their themes. One option could be Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance," which was published in 1841, and another option could be Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850.
Now, let's create your chart:
1. Time Period/Literary Movement:
- Romanticism/Transcendentalism
- Specific dates: late 18th to mid-19th century
- Characteristics, themes, or topics: appreciation of nature, individuality, intuition, the sublime, imagination, rejection of societal norms, spirituality, self-reliance
2. Keywords and Definitions:
- Nature: the natural world, often seen as a source of beauty and inspiration
- Individuality: the importance of being unique and true to oneself
- Intuition: relying on one's instincts and inner feelings rather than relying solely on reason
- Sublime: the feeling of awe, reverence, or fascination in the face of something vast or powerful
- Imagination: the ability to create and envision new ideas and possibilities
- Rejection of societal norms: challenging traditional beliefs and values
- Spirituality: a focus on the spiritual and transcendental aspects of life
- Self-reliance: the belief in one's independence and ability to rely on oneself
3. Images representing the period:
- Image 1: A beautiful landscape with towering mountains and a colorful sunset
- Image 2: An individual meditating by a tranquil lake surrounded by trees
4. Famous Authors from the movement:
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Henry David Thoreau
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Edgar Allan Poe
5. Literature:
- "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson (published in 1841): An essay that emphasizes the importance of individuality, intuition, and the rejection of societal conformity.
- "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (published in 1850): A novel that explores the consequences of societal judgments and the power of individuality and redemption.
6. Summary of each literary work:
- "Self-Reliance": Emerson encourages readers to trust their own instincts, embrace their uniqueness, and resist the pressures to conform to society's expectations.
- "The Scarlet Letter": Hawthorne tells the story of Hester Prynne, who wears a scarlet letter as a symbol of her sin, and examines themes of guilt, redemption, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
7. Excerpts from each piece of literature:
- "Self-Reliance": "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine Providence has found for you; the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events" (Emerson).
- "The Scarlet Letter": "The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers, stern and wild ones..." (Hawthorne).
8. Keywords used in each piece of literature:
- "Self-Reliance": intuition, individuality, conformity, society
- Example sentence: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment" (Emerson).
- "The Scarlet Letter": sin, guilt, redemption, society
- Example sentence: "In every gesture, dignity and grace were imposed upon my mother as her birthright, and made apparent in every step and motion" (Hawthorne).
9. Images/Graphics representing each literary work and/or author:
- "Self-Reliance" image: A person standing alone on a mountaintop, surrounded by nature
- "The Scarlet Letter" image: The iconic scarlet letter "A" embroidered on a woman's chest
10. Evaluation:
Both "Self-Reliance" and "The Scarlet Letter" address themes of individuality and the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires, which are characteristic of the Romanticism/Transcendentalism movement. However, "Self-Reliance" focuses more on the importance of trusting one's own instincts and rejecting conformity, while "The Scarlet Letter" delves into the consequences of societal judgments and explores themes of guilt and redemption. Both works provide different perspectives on these common themes within the movement.
In summary, the Romanticism/Transcendentalism movement emphasized the appreciation of nature, individuality, intuition, and the rejection of societal norms. Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance" promotes self-trust and the importance of being true to oneself, while Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations. Although both works share common themes, they offer distinct perspectives and delve into different aspects of the movement.