Discussion What do you think Self-Reliance means? Which people in the world seem to have this quality?

Essential Question Why is it important to know yourself? Are you a consistent individual?

Objectives To gain insight into the ideas of Transcendentalism by reading Emerson To identify and understand figurative language

Vocab to write and know! Aphorism: Statement of truth or opinion Self-reliance: reliance on oneself or one’s own powers, resources Non-conformity: failure or refusal to conform, as with established customs, attitudes, or ideas Transcendentalism: slide coming

The Spirit of Individualism Transcendentalism

Celebrations of Self The poems, short stories, and essays of the Transcendentalism time period reveal how many of the American writers of this time emphasized the examination of inner feelings and emotions over reason, logic, and scientific observation. Explorations of self.

So, what is Transcendentalism? It is not easily defined- it is more of a movement that focused on finding one’s own voice. Transcendentalists were struggling to define spirituality and religion by taking into account other perspectives.

Self-Reliance As we read and discuss, think about which aphorism speaks to you You may want to take notes on each as this will be a part of a bigger assignment

“If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away." What does this mean to you?

The Drum by Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni is a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past thirty years, her outspokenness, in her writing and in lectures, has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely-read American poets, she prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English." Giovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it. Her focus is on the individual, specifically, on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.

daddy says the world is a drum tight and hard and i told him i’m gonna beat out my own rhythm. The Drum

Discussion Describe a drum Let’s talk in depth about the “rhythmic” aspect of a drum Like, how do you march and step to the beat of a drum? How is life “tight like” and “hard like” a drum? Describe the ease and difficulties of “beating out your own rhythm.” What does that even mean in relation to you?

Assignment Go back to Self-Reliance. Which aphorism spoke to you? Using whatever aphorism you choose from Self-reliance: 1. Organize it into a poem or song 2. Title it 3. Beat out a rhythm for your poem on your desk (or have someone else do this for you.. But you MUST give them your late work pass for SM2). Here is a tutorial for a beat to do yourself! *optional: can set it to music You have the rest of this class and all of tomorrow’s class. Presentations in class! You can present live or video record

Samples “They say I’m a non-conformist, attitude is enormous..” “Why these people always muggin’ me? There’s nothin’ to explain, they jealous of me. Becca can’t rap because I’m white, but that’s ok, they know I’m bright. They follow each other like little rats, but they really know they want my hats. Envy is ignorance, imitation is suicide. Don’t they no what that means, get your own stride! Talkin’ about me behind my back & I talk about some, but really I go to the beat of my own drum.”

Closure Write ways in which doing the right things, having good behavior, and going above and beyond can help you to “beat out your own rhythms” of success in school, at work, and in your community. Why is this pertinent information for you as a junior?

Discussion In what ways do people today still struggle with tensions between individuality (to the point of non- conformity) and conformity?

Are you a consistent individual? Read over the article Take the “quiz” Reflect on the bottom

Walden Thoreau Biography pg 250

Thoreau's Packing List Following are the 12 items Thoreau took with him when he headed into the woods at Walden Pond in * 1 axe * 2 knives * 1 fork * 3 plates * 1 cup * 1 spoon * a jug for oil * a jug for molasses * 1 lamp

What would you bring? If you were going to live in nature for a year, what would you bring? Make a list of 12 items. Now, which are the five most important on your list? First, looking back at Thoreau’s list, what general headings can his 12 items be categorized under? Now, with these categories in mind, choose your five. Time to make one BIG class list of five. If you feel like you have something that is pertinent, get ready to put it on the list and tell why you think it should be one of the 5 items we bring

Class List

How about these guys?

from Walden Page

Questions to answer while reading Respond to the first paragraph by describing what Thoreau meant when he said “I do not wish to live what was not life.” What is Thoreau’s views of the news and mail? Why do you think he held these views? How do you feel? In your own words, how does Thoreau explain his reasons for going to Walden, and for leaving it? How does he justify his experiment? He seems to think it was successful enough. Do you agree? Choose one of Thoreau’s observations and write about it. What are your feelings on it? Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?