Introductory Paragraphs Two Paragraph Introductory Paragraphs

The Two-Paragraph Introduction Introductions always intended to: Grab the reader’s attention More than 3,000 people were forcibly removed off the grounds of public parks in 2011. Begin generally and finish specifically Begin with above example; finish with THESIS=one statement that presents the author’s one major opinion. (The reason for the essay.) Provide necessary background information Transcendentalism was a 19th century… Robin Williams plays the part of Mr. Keating, Welton’s new, forward-thinking…. Establish contents and organization of the essay The movie focuses on the ideas and words of the transcendentalist authors Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Walt Whitman.

Content Paragraph #1 General and engaging lead in to topic Background information about both transcendentalism and the authors Full names Full titles Brief summary of author’s work Paragraph #2 Transitional topic sentence Background information on contemporary example of transcendentalism Brief summary of major characters and plot Several brief (re)statements of body paragraph content Thesis

Transcendentalism was an intellectual movement of the early to mid nineteenth century that esteemed intuition and individual conscience over senses and logic. This philosophical transition also emphasized man’s connection to nature and valued his independence. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the father of American transcendentalism, stressed the power of nature in his book Nature and illustrated the necessity of self-reliance and nonconformity in Self-Reliance. Henry David Thoreau reiterated the importance of nonconformity in Civil Disobedience and explored the contentment of nature and simplicity in Walden. Walt Whitman celebrated his individuality and union with nature in the poem Song of Myself. Transcendental beliefs may be eccentric and slightly dated, but they still exist in various aspects of modern society. The “green” movement sweeping the globe is an incentive to clean up the environment. This involves taking actions such as buying biodegradable products, driving cars that run on electricity, and recycling. This campaign carries transcendental teachings into modern society because it emphasizes mankind’s affiliation with nature and his need to preserve the Earth. This movement also underscores the impact that each individual can have on saving the #1

environment if he or she performs simple tasks environment if he or she performs simple tasks. Lastly, it stresses that instead of conforming to earth-destroying habits, one should take action to dispel them and become environmentally friendly. With these points in mind, transcendentalists such as Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman would surely support the project of “going green”.

Transcendentalism is both a genre of literature and a way of living Transcendentalism is both a genre of literature and a way of living. It emphasizes nature, intuition, independence, and individualism. Emotion is more valuable than sense and logic. Henry David Thoreau is a famous transcendentalist because he spent months living away from society at Walden Pond to become more connected with nature and observe the growth around him in the wilderness. Ralph Waldo Emerson is the father of it because he did not conform to the church’s beliefs and published Nature, praising the raw and pure beauty around him that most people do not see. Transcendentalism is an optimistic movement that focuses on the unleashing of one’s true self. One modern-day transcendentalist is Annie Dillard, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for her achievements in writing narrative nonfiction, born on April 30, 1945. She has written numerous books and poems on nature and has studied Emerson and Thoreau in detail. Dillard fits the title of a transcendentalist because she fulfills all of the transcendental characteristics. She praises and emphasizes nature, follows her own beliefs, and does not coincide with everything she hears or has been taught. #2

Transcendentalism was an intellectual movement of the mid-nineteenth century that stressed individualism, independence, intuition, and nature. The followers of the movement were named Transcendentalists because of their belief that a person’s conscience and intuition were the best guides to truth in life, “transcending” their senses and logic. The Transcendentalists were very optimistic in their view of the world, believing simplicity and non-conformity was the way to true happiness in life. They were based in the New England area, specifically Concord, Massachusetts. Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered to be the father of American Transcendentalism, as he anonymously published Nature in 1836, which served as the unofficial transcendental manifesto. This led to the emergence of other transcendental writers, such as Walt Whitman, Margaret Fuller, Emily Dickenson, and Henry David Thoreau. This period of Transcendentalism stressed thinking for oneself, a secure sense of self, belief based not on logic or fact, and appreciation of nature. Eckhart Tolle is a writer whom the Transcendentalists would agree carries on their message in our world today. Tolle was born in 1948 in Germany, where #3

he lived until he was thirteen he lived until he was thirteen. He was unhappy during these first thirteen years of his life as he experienced unrest in his home, along with discontent with the school he attended. At age thirteen, he moved to Spain to live with his father, then at age nineteen, he moved to England. In 1977, at the age of 29, he experienced an inner transformation that changed his outlook on life to a more Transcendental viewpoint. He began to see the world the way transcendentalists described it, really seeing his surroundings, appreciating nature and the simple things in life, and not conforming to society. His two books The Power of Now and A New Earth teach his philosophies and are good examples of transcendental thought. His life after his inner transformation at the age of 29 carries the meanings of transcendental thoughts that Transcendentalists would agree with in our modern day society.