Ralph Waldo Emerson Biography
Place of birth Date of birth Boston, MA May 25, 1803
Date of death Concord, MA Place of death April 27, 1882 Burial location Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA (Bonus: who else is buried here?)
Interesting facts about childhood His father (Unitarian minister) died when he was 8 One of five sons Mother took in boarders to send sons to Harvard Degree in divinity from Harvard Not a strong student
Place(s) where this author lived. Include dates and explain how each place influenced them. Boston, MA – childhood & university, 1 st marriage until – toured Europe Concord, MA – – 2 nd marriage, children, Transcendental Club, house burned, Thoreau died – toured Europe – toured Europe & Egypt
How did this author become inspired to write? Nature Individualism Pride in Americanism Studies of divinity
Where applicable, explain any obstacles this writer faced Death of father Family left in poverty Death of first wife Disputes with church, struggles with faith
How successful was this author during his/her lifetime? First book Nature published anonymously, but became manifesto of Transcendental Club Essays famous; other Transcendental Clubs were started He worked to support his family, but also had inheritance and generous friends
If the author wasn’t successful or popular at the time of their death, explain how and why they are still well known today N/A
Why is this author considered influential? Founder of Transcendental movement Helped establish idea of individualism Focus on democracy and ordinary experience results in unique American voice
Identify five (5) characteristics of this author and give specific examples Loved nature – inspired by it Family man – supported family Thoughtful – philosophical essays Intelligent – despite being bad student Independent – left ministry due to disagreements w/church doctrine