New England

Renaissance
Transcendentalism

Name: __________________________
Mrs. Small/Mr. O’Donnell
American Literature- Academic
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Name:______________________________________ Date:_______________ Period:____
Are You a Transcendentalist?
Directions: Below is a list of basic American Transcendentalist beliefs. Read each of the statements below
and star those that you personally agree with.
o I am an idealist (I see the world as it could be not just as it is)

o I am spiritual

o I believe that all people, even those who are different from me, should be respected

o I believe God’s presence (or other higher power’s presence) can be found anywhere, not just in
religious institutions

o I am more concerned with this life, than the idea of an afterlife

o I believe that Goodness conquers over Evil

o I believe that I make my own destiny (future)

o I believe figuring things out for myself is better than learning from a book

o I believe that “facts” can change as I learn more about the world

o I believe there is an important relationship between humans and nature

o I believe the only way to change the problems of the world is for people to first change themselves

o I trust in myself, not in other people or institutions

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Blank

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STATION 1- Nonfiction Reading

Directions: Read the article answer the questions. Pre-view the questions before you begin
reading and read with a purpose
The emergence of…
TRANSCENDENTALISM
1830—1855

The movement that began around 1830 by a core group of thinkers and started to “die out”
around 1855 has come to be known in American history as The Transcendental Period.
Nothing since then has come close to being established.

Although this time period is full of rich history and philosophy, to put it briefly, people
during the development of “America” went from one extreme to another too fast. During
the Puritan time period, all people were expected to be quiet, humble, and in prayer.
Failure to do so created a bad end for them—jail, witch hunt, hatred from town members,
etc. Once people started to move away from this, they really moved away from it. The
American Revolution occurs, which gave people a sense of purpose and established our
freedom. However, with freedom comes responsibility and not all can handle this, as you
know. Most people began to get very greedy, as you will see with our story, “The Devil and
Tom Walker”. Most people began to look towards new technologies (railroad, factories) and
gold to make them rich. Essentially, people abandoned their ancestors’ appreciations of
religion and freedom, and began to concern themselves more with wealth and progression.

From this, a particular group of thinkers (Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry
David Thoreau) realized that people were too worried about the wealth they could acquire
and the possessions they could have than about the internal morality that was necessary to
lead a good life. Therefore, these authors focused their writings on nature, self-reflection,
internal spirituality (not associated with church), intelligence, and awareness of one’s self in
the world and to those around them. These writers/thinkers believed that all people had
endless opportunities for social and individual growth, but they had to “transcend” their
previous thoughts into thoughts of Nature, the individual, and spirituality (oneness with
Nature). They abolished all possessions that were not of necessity and any desire to
acquire money that, again, was not of necessity. They hated conformism (doing what
everyone else does), slavery, and destruction of nature for progress (so, those Walmarts
that have been built over forests, for example). The writers and thinkers of this time period
had the obvious idea of slowing down and appreciating what is the most important in life;
however, it was difficult for the American people to give up wealth and opportunity for the
simplicity of Nature.

Most people were still in love with their possessions and wealth to realize they were
becoming greedy, obsessed, selfish, and uncaring. For these reasons, the time period
known as the best attempt in American History to teach manners, etiquette, and awareness
ended after a short time. Despite this, the Transcendental Period and its writers,
particularly Henry David Thoreau, were the first environmentalists and the first “go
greeners”!

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Questions about Transcendental information…

1. When did the Transcendental Movement begin?

2. What was happening in America to cause this type of movement?

3. People seemed to care more about ______________ and less about Nature during
this time period.

4. Why is this time period called Transcendentalism?

5. What did these people want the American people to follow or believe in?

6. Why did this movement in America end?

7. Opinion: Do you think there will be a time when people get back to Nature and
abandon their unnecessary possessions and materials? Why/why not?

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STATION 2- Photos/Debate

Directions: Take a look at the pictures of technology on your table. Think

about the kinds of technology we have available to us today. With your group
discuss the question below and fill out the chart.

TECHNOLOGY: GOOD VS. BAD

In what ways is our technology good? In what ways is our technology bad?

GOOD BAD

If you had to choose only one side (whether it’s helped more or hurt more),
which would you choose and why?

How did technology play a role with Transcendentalism?

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 STATION 3- Music/Song Lyrics
Directions: Listen to the songs “Blowin’ In the Wind” and “Unwritten” read the
lyrics. Answer the questions below for each song

1. What is the message of this song? Underline lines that let you know.

2. How does this song, which was written in the 1960s, relate to the Transcendental
Period, which occurred more than 100 years before? Highlight lines that connect to
Transcendentalism and label the connection.

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND by Bob Dylan (1963)

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man?
Yes, and how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, and how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky?
Yes, and how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist

Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, and how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

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 1. What is the message of this song? Underline lines that let you know.

2. How does this song, which was written in the 1960s, relate to the Transcendental
Period? Highlight lines that connect to Transcendentalism and label the connection.

Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten” Lyrics

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

CHORUS ONE
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

CHORUS TWO
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines

We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Repeat CHORUS ONE

Repeat CHORUS TWO

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Repeat CHORUS ONE

Repeat CHORUS TWO
The rest is still unwritten (repeat 3x)

Oh, yeah, yeah

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STATION 4- Video
Directions: As you watch the video on Transcendentalism, record 2-3 main ideas for every section.

Section 1: Definition of Transcendentalism

Section 2: Transcendentalist Ideas

Section 3: Transcendentalism's Impact on American Literature

Section 4: Important Figures in Transcendentalism

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Video Transcript--Transcendentalism: Impact on
American Literature
Taught by

Stacy Redd

Definition of Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism was an idealistic literary and philosophical movement of the mid-19th century.
Beginning in New England in 1836, various visionaries, intellectuals, scholars, and writers would come
together regularly to discuss spiritual ideas. The Boston newspapers, which advertised their meetings,
called the group the Transcendentalists. In this video, we will explore the main ideas of
Transcendentalism, along with some of the key figures of this important American literary movement.

The Transcendentalists were radical thinkers. At the time of their meetings, New England was still
holding on to a remnant of Puritanical values. There was a sense that organized religion had authority
over one's personal life and individual choices. For the Transcendentalists, this was a big no-no! They
were quite critical of conformity, or forcing one's behavior to match social expectations or standards.
They were nonconformists - people who do not conform to a generally accepted pattern of thought or
action. They rejected common ideas and practices, particularly organized religion. There wasn't a
Transcendentalist church or a holy book of Transcendentalism. Instead, there were regular meetings for
lively conversation and a shared hope of cultivating a modern, fluid, and personal sense of spirituality.

Transcendentalist Ideas
Now bear with me, I know this sounds a bit voodoo or New Age: the Transcendentalists believed that for
every person there exists a private relationship between the self and the universe. In fact, they believed
that each person carries the universe within himself. They thought that every individual has a universal
soul, referred to as 'The Eternal One.' Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist and poet, was at
the center of the Transcendentalist movement. He explained the idea of the universal soul by stating that
'within man is the soul of the whole; the wise silence; the universal beauty; to which every part and
particle is equally related; the eternal ONE.' Basically, Emerson is saying that all of the world, its
knowledge and splendor, lives within us. This certainly sounds like an idea that might be discussed on
Oprah's couch!

In addition to the universal soul, the Transcendentalists believed in intuitive thought, which is the ability
to know something through instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning. They believed that one
should guide her life by what she feels to be true. We've all had flashes of intuition: grabbing an umbrella
on a perfectly sunny day or sensing that someone's about to call right before the phone rings. The
Transcendentalists believed that these flashes of intuition were the most fundamental form of knowledge.
Intuition should have precedence over the intellect, according to the Transcendentalists, because intuition
was provided by the universal soul.

Transcendentalism was really a hodgepodge of ideas. The Transcendentalists were very well read and
borrowed from Puritanism (the bits they liked), German Idealism, Eastern religions, and more. They
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merged and fused concepts, creating a flexible set of values. They valued simplicity, a life not bound to
material possessions. They valued self-reliance, or a reliance on one's own powers and resources rather
than those of others, and trust in one's own heart and thoughts. They valued openness, openness to the
beauty of the world.

Transcendentalism's Impact on American Literature

The impact of Transcendentalism on American literature can easily be seen today. For example, I think
immediately of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love. In the book, Gilbert goes on a
journey both physically and spiritually. Recently divorced, she finds self-reliance. She comes to value the
beauty of the everyday (pasta!). She meditates, hoping to connect with the 'Eternal One' within her. The
Transcendentalists, particularly Emerson, perpetuated the idea that writers are seers. It's the writer's duty
to see the world clearly, to summon the world to life. Emerson called poets 'liberating gods.' Literature
was a platform to liberate people, to help them see what needs to be seen: nature, spirituality, self-identity,
and social injustice. The Transcendentalists were forceful critics of slavery and gender inequality. In
transcendental theory, every individual has to be respected because every individual has a universal soul.

Transcendentalists also placed significant emphasis on imagination. Imagination allows the mind to be
resourceful, to form new ideas that are not present to the senses. As the writer or reader imagines, he
transcends himself. This allows him to move beyond his personal experience, his mind and body, to
consider something anew. The ability to imagine can effect change. The Transcendentalists wanted their
work to have an altering effect on individuals and on society as a whole. For the Transcendentalists, man
needed to live in the world, participate in it, look at it closely, and take action.

Important Figures in Transcendentalism

Ralph Waldo Emerson was at the heart of the American transcendental movement. He was a graduate of
Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School. He spent his early days as a minister, but he resigned after
his first wife's death. His first significant work, the essay 'Nature', was published in 1836. This essay was
seminal to Transcendentalism. It explored Emerson's admiration for the natural world, a world he
believed to be infused with the divine. He encouraged people to explore nature, to study it. In studying the
natural world, one also studied the nature of man. This relates back to the idea of the 'Eternal One,' that
each person carries the universe within. Solitary time in nature was the surest way for a person to connect
with the universe, according to Emerson.

Emerson lived in Concord, Massachusetts, amid a small mix of inquisitive, progressive individuals.
Together with other Transcendentalists, he started a magazine called The Dial. The Dial helped make the
ideas of Transcendentalists available to the public. Emerson was also a prolific lecturer. He traveled often
to share his essays and ideas. I think of Emerson as a very kind-hearted and spiritual man, sort of a 19th-
century version of Deepak Chopra.

Henry David Thoreau, a writer and naturalist, was greatly affected by Emerson's writings and formed a
close friendship with him. He often published his poems and essays in The Dial. In 1845, he built a tiny
cabin on some of Emerson's land at the shores of Walden Pond. He stayed there for two years. This
experiment of simple, self-sufficient living was Transcendentalism in practice. Thoreau immersed himself
in nature and solitude (when he wanted it), though his cabin was right at the outskirts of town. He became
a learned naturalist, an expert in or student of natural history, one expertly adept at observing nature. In

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1854, Thoreau's book Walden was published. The book shared his experience at Walden Pond and
emphasized man's need for closeness with nature. What a truly Transcendental idea!

Walt Whitman was an American poet who was also heavily influenced by Transcendentalism. In fact, he
believed that he was just the sort of poet that Emerson was looking for when he envisioned the poet's role
as a seer, a 'liberating god.' Clearly, Whitman wasn't a guy who lacked confidence! Whitman's poems
considered themes of transcendental thought. More importantly, the style of his poems was bold and
modern. Whitman is often cited as the father of free verse, a type of poetry that does not conform to
regular meter or rhyme. The lines of his poems were considered very irregular for the time. Whitman
authored the poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was published in 1855. Though the book dealt with
transcendental themes of nature and the role of the spirit, its sensuality was quite controversial.

In the time that they were living, the Transcendentalists were really rebels. Though today we look at
pictures of them with their lovely grandfather-like faces in black and white, they were quite modern in
their day. They helped to shape the very American notion of individuality and the importance of
recognizing each person's moral worth. This stands for everyone, regardless of race or gender. They
championed independence and self-reliance.

Lesson Summary
In summary, Transcendentalism was an American literary and philosophical movement that lasted from
the 1830s to the 1850s. The key beliefs of the movement were:

1. The 'Eternal One': Every individual carries the universe within himself and is entitled to his own
personal relationship with spirituality.
2. Intuitive thought : Intuition should have precedence over conscious thought. Intuition is the most
fundamental form of knowledge.
3. Imagination : Imagination allows a person to transcend himself, to consider things anew.

At the center of the movement was the American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Greatly
influenced by Emerson's ideas, Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman advanced the movement with
their literary contributions. Transcendentalism encouraged man to look closely at the world, to look
closely at himself, and to be radically honest about what he sees.

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Transcendental Reflection Name: __________________
Adopting Transcendentalism in _______ Date: ____________Pd: ____

Directions: After reading and analyzing each selection from Transcendentalism, reflect on the many main
ideas that were meaningful for you in some way. Select a main idea that you will support with a direct
quote and explanation. Finally, explain why the idea is important and how you will adopt it in your life.

1. Title of Literature: “Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Main idea

 Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

1. Title of Literature: “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Main idea

 Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

1. Title of Literature: “Walden: Where I Lived and What I Lived For” by Henry David Thoreau
 Main idea

 Direct quote and explanation

2. Explain why this idea is important and how you will adopt this idea in your own life.

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 From “Nature”
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

 In what type of setting do you feel the most reflective? Emerson believes
that man can only achieve oneness with the Universe while in Nature. Do
you agree or disagree?

 Do you agree or disagree that mankind has ruined Nature and that one
day it will be beyond repair?

 What, in your opinion, is the most beautiful part of Nature?

Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson is sometimes seen as the beginning of the

Transcendental Time Period. As we read the excerpt from Nature by Emerson, think
about your feelings about Nature and how this essay could start an entire
movement in history.

1. According to Emerson, when is man most alone and able to reflect? Do you
agree or disagree? (page 242)

2. How can stars create a sense of reverence? (page 242)

3. Why does Emerson say that “few adult persons can see nature”? What does
he mean by this? Do you agree? (page 242)

4. According to Emerson, how can Nature bring one back to youth? Do you
think this is possible? (page 243)

5. What does Emerson mean when he writes “Nature always wears the colors of
the spirit” in the last paragraph of the excerpt? Can you see meaning in this?
Explain. (page 243)

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Aphorisms in “Nature” Name:__________________
Ralph Waldo Emerson Date:___________________

 The literature of Transcendentalism contains a wealth of inspirational, thought-provoking sayings called

Aphorisms.
 Aphorism can be defined as: a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise, poetic and witty
manner. Synonyms for Aphorism are: a saying, a maxim, an adage, a proverb.

I. Warm up: In the space below, paraphrase (put in your own words) the following aphorisms. An
example has been done for you.

Example:
 “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
 Paraphrase: Life is unpredictable. You have to be ready for anything.

1. “An eye for an eye leaves the world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi
 Paraphrase:

2. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo
Emerson
 Paraphrase:

3. “It is not what you look at, but what you see.” - Henry David Thoreau
 Paraphrase:

II. Group Work: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature resonates with an abundance of interesting aphorisms
involving humankind “listening” to the lessons that nature can teach.

Directions: 1) In the space below, paraphrase some of the more prominent aphorisms from
Nature. 2) Underline and define any words you do not know in order to help you understand
the aphorism.

1. “If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and
preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown”
(Emerson 242).
 Paraphrase:

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 2. “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child”
(Emerson 242).
 Paraphrase:

3. “In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows” (Emerson
242).
 Paraphrase:

4. “In the woods is perpetual youth” (Emerson 243).

 Paraphrase:

5. “Standing on the bare ground…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 parcel of
God” (Emerson 243).
 Paraphrase:

6. “In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat
as beautiful as his own nature” (Emerson 243).
 Paraphrase:

7. “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” (Emerson 243).

 Paraphrase:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Remember, the theme of a literary work can be defined as a central idea or statement that unifies and
controls an entire literary work. The theme is the author’s way of communicating and sharing ideas,
perceptions and feelings with readers. It may be stated directly or simply implied. In other words, the
theme is the author’s message.

Finally: based on the aphorisms from Nature, what is the theme of the selection?

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Blank

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Name:____________________________________ Date:________________________ Pd:__________
TRANCENDENTALISM POSTER
INTERPRETATION OF THE TRANSCENDENTALISTS’ IDEAS
Objective: You will create a poster showing a select list of “aphorisms” found in the readings of Ralph
Waldo Emerson and an interpretation of those aphorisms that shows the meanings in “plain” English. By
doing so, you will create a list that describes the beliefs of the Transcendentalists.

Assessment: The poster will be graded using the scoring sheet shown at the bottom of the page and will
be worth 25 points.

Process:
 Review class worksheets for aphorisms.
 in your group choosing three favored quotes.
 Compile on poster paper along with the interpretation of the quote. In other words, what does the quote
mean?

Criteria for the poster:

 Write in large, easy to see and read letters.
 Pair the quote together with the meaning.
 Illustrate as time and creativity allow.
 Include a title and the names of all members of the group.
 Attach one scoring sheet to the bottom of your poster.

Reviewing posters:
 With a partner from your group, rotate around the room viewing all posters. Leaving comments on
classmates’ posters using sticky notes.
o Meaningful comments:
 “Your interpretation seems accurate,” “Creative presentation!” etc…
o Meaningless comments:
 “Nice work,” “OK ideas,” “I don’t agree,” etc…
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCORING:

Accurate Interpretation /15

Appropriate Aphorism Choice /5

Neatness & Creative Presentation /5

TOTAL /25

MEMBERS OF THE GROUP (last names, too):

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20
 from… “SELF-RELIANCE”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the main writers and thinkers during the
Transcendental Period. He was, therefore, one of the leading people to believe that
all should be true to themselves and should avoid non-necessities in life.

In his essay “Self-Reliance,” Emerson’s attempt is to teach the reader that they
need to be self-reliant and true to themselves.

Before Reading Questions: Discuss with your group

 What does self-reliance mean to you?
 At what age do you think all people should be self-reliant?
 What is the problem when people never become self-reliant?
 What qualities do people need to possess to become completely self reliant?

During/After Reading Questions:

 What does Emerson consider to be “true genius”? Why? (page 245)

 What does Emerson mean by “envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide;

that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion…”? (page 246)

 Why do Emerson’s words get particularly strong when he says “Trust

thyself”? Why does he believe we do not trust ourselves? (page 246)

 What is meant by “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist”? (page

247)

 What is the main message of Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”? (page 246)

 Why is it especially necessary for people to read this essay today?

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22
 On the lines below, you are going to write a journal that outlines the ways
that you are self-reliant and how you will continue to become more and more
self-reliant. Be sure to focus on the importance of self-reliance for a society
and how you are working towards this goal. (10 sentences)

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24
 From “Walden”
by Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau is one of the best and most influential writers from the
Transcendentalist Period, and yet, he did not gain his popularity until almost 60
years after his death. When he died at the age of 44, few people outside of
Concord, Massachusetts even knew who he was. Thoreau dedicated his life to the
quiet reflection while in Nature. In order to have a quiet place to write, Thoreau
convinced Emerson to allow him to build a cabin (10 feet x 15 feet) on his Walden
Pond property. Thoreau lived there for two years, two months, and two days. He
was not a hermit, though, as he visited friends and relatives in nearby Concord
almost every day. “Walden” describes his life while living in solitude.

Another reputable work by Thoreau is “Civil Disobedience,” which he wrote after he

was arrested for not paying a small tax to support the Mexican-American War and
the continuation of slavery. He spent one night in jail before his aunt paid the tax.
We are not going to read “Civil Disobedience,” but it’s important to note that
Thoreau was anti-established government; therefore, strongly believing that the
individual should attest to his own right and wrong.

PRE-READING for “WALDEN”:

 Make a list of the things you worry about every day. Be honest…you are only
sharing this if you want to.

 Make a list of the things that are the most important in life.

 Why do human beings worry themselves over trifle matters? Provide

examples of when/how people can ruin their lives over something that is
essentially not very meaningful?

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During Reading Questions:
1. Why did Thoreau go into the woods? (page 253)

2. What is Thoreau trying to teach the reader when he says, “Our life is frittered away by
detail”…”Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”? (page 253)

3. Give an example of how Thoreau wanted to simplify his life. (page 253)

4. According to Thoreau, is it better to do less with higher quality or more with lower quality? Do
you agree? Why or why not? (page 253)

5. Even though this essay was published over 150 years ago (in 1854), Thoreau still gives the
message to slow down and to not be in such a hurry. Do you think people need to hear the same
message today? Do you think people will listen? Do you think slowing down will ever be an
option for humanity? Explain.

6. Thoreau states at the bottom of page 254 that man should not obsess or seek bad news (robberies,
murders, death, etc.). Thoreau states, “One is enough. If you are acquainted with the principle,
what do you care for a myriad [countless] instances and applications?” Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Explain. (page 254)

7. Why does Thoreau say he left the woods? (page 255)

8. What did Thoreau learn from his experience in the woods? (page 255)

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 Emily Dickinson
“I HEARD A FLY BUZZ WHEN I DIED”
“BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH”

 Many of Emily Dickinson’s poems focus on death and the afterlife. It seems
almost natural to be curious about death. Have you ever wondered what it will
be like for you or what will occur afterwards? Provide your thoughts below.

 The two Dickinson poems we will be reading all focus on death; however, they
take on a different “picture” of death. After reading, determine which poem
best fits with your idea of death.

I heard a Fly buzz - when I died

BY EMILY DICKINSON
I heard a Fly buzz - when I died -
The Stillness in the Room
Was like the Stillness in the Air -
Between the Heaves of Storm -

The Eyes around - had wrung them dry -

And Breaths were gathering firm
For that last Onset - when the King
Be witnessed - in the Room -

I willed my Keepsakes - Signed away

What portion of me be
Assignable - and then it was
There interposed a Fly -

With Blue - uncertain - stumbling Buzz -

Between the light - and me -
And then the Windows failed - and then
I could not see to see -

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“I HEARD A FLY BUZZ WHEN I DIED” by Emily Dickinson
During/After Reading Questions

1. What does the fly in this poem symbolize?

2. What does the King in this poem symbolize?

3. The speaker in the poem takes certain measures before her death, such as
willing away possessions and preparing for the afterlife. But, as she dies, she
sees a fly that gets in the way of light. What do you think the poet is saying
about afterlife from this poem?

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 Because I could not stop for Death
by Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste

And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove

At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed us –
The Dews drew quivering and chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed

A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet

Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity –

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“BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH” by Emily Dickinson
During/After Reading Questions

1. How is death portrayed in this poem? How do you think the speaker feels
about death?

2. In what ways does the speaker use personification in this poem?

3. While the speaker travels along with death, she passes four areas. What are
they and what do they symbolize?

a.

b.

c.

d.

4. What is the purpose of the speaker writing in the last stanza that she has
been dead for centuries, but it feels shorter than a day?

5. Illustrate the differences among Dickinson’s three poems and what they say
about death and the afterlife.

I HEARD A FLY BUZZ BECAUSE I COULD NOT

WHEN I DIED STOP FOR DEATH

DEATH and the

AFTERLIFE…

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 WALT WHITMAN
“When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer”
“O Captain, My Captain!”

 Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called
the father of free verse. He was a transcendentalist, but also very patriotic. Many of
his poems deal with personal freedoms, the pursuit of knowledge, and upholding
American ideal.

“When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer” – Walt Whitman

Pre-reading: In the space below, spend 10 minutes free-writing about a time when you
found yourself daydreaming because something you expected to be interesting was dull
and tedious.

Post – reading: After analyzing the poem, how did Whitman’s description compare with
your experience?

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Walt Whitman – I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
When I heard the learn'd astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide,
and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with
much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.

1. What techniques does the astronomer use to present information? What does this suggest
to you about the astronomer’s approach to his subject?

2. What does the speaker do in lines 6-8? What conclusions can you draw about the speaker
based on these actions?

3. How does the speaker’s method for “studying” the stars differ from the astronomer’s
method? What does this difference imply about the speaker’s values?

4. Notice the use of the repetition of the phrase “When I.” Why do you think Whitman
chose to do this? In other words, what effect does it have on the poem?

5. Ultimately, what do you think was happening to the poet when he “Look’d up in perfect
silence at the stars”? Upon further review, what is the theme of the poem?

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Historical Context: The poem was written as a memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, who was
assassinated five days after the Confederacy surrendered to the Union at Appomattox. It was published in
Whitman’s book Drum-taps and Sequel in 1865. Before the Civil War, Whitman had written and edited
news articles for several newspapers, but his break-through publication was entitled Leaves of Grass and
was published in 1855. During the Civil War, Whitman spent most of his time as a volunteer nurse in a
war hospital in Washington D.C. and as a part-time clerk in the army paymaster’s office. While working
for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Whitman attended President Lincoln’s second inauguration.

WALT WHITMAN- O Captain! My Captain!

O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather'd every rack,the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! My Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up- for you the flag is flung- for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths- for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

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Figurative Language: As you reflect on the poem, identify and explain the following poetic devices.
Provide a quote from the poem to support your claims.

Extended Metaphor

Allusion

Apostrophe

Study and Discussion

1. Given the background information, who is the “Captain” and what is “the fearful trip” and what is
“the ship” mentioned in the first line?

2. What does the imagery in lines 2 and 3 tell you? What is the “prize” that was won?

3. What does the repetition of “heart! heart! heart!” tell us about the speaker of the poem’s
realization about the Captain?

4. In the first three lines of stanza two, the speaker asks the Captain to “rise up and hear the bells.” In
essence, the speaker laments that his Captain, having led his crew bravely to victory, will not
receive the fanfare that is his just due. As a result, many of the images have dual meaning.
Consider the following:
 Bells
 Flag
 Bugle

5. What is the significance of the speaker calling his Captain “father” for the first time?

6. The last four lines of the poem seem to contradict each other. What message is Whitman sending
through this contrast?

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 FINAL THOUGHTS FROM TRANSCENDENTAL PERIOD…

1. What did you learn about America during this time period?

2. How did the main writers of the Transcendental Movement feel about
Nature and individuality?

3. What did the writers during this time want you to really learn about
mortality and individuality?

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