1. Introduction to Romanticism

2. What does this have to do with love? The term “romantic” has little to do with the way we use it today. unreal The ACTUAL definition of “romantic” is unreal. For example, you could say: “John has a romantic vision of the army. He’s in for a big surprise.” So, think about what you’re really saying the next time you wish your gf/bf was more romantic…just sayin’.

3. Difference between other writing periods Classicism valued order, clarity, reason, and logic. (They had to, times were tough and they had a war to win and a nation to build.) Romanticism values imagination and emotion. They were interested in mystery, strangeness, and the irrational. (They could afford to be imaginative, the war was over and things were stable.)

4. The Authors Washington Irving Known for modernizing legend and folklore. Best known for writing “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.” We will read, “The Devil and Tom Walker.”

5. The Authors Edgar Allan Poe Known for his poetry and short stories. Famous for creating stories that thrilled and terrified his readers. Lesser known fact: Poe invented the mystery story. Without him, the mystery genre would not exist. We will read two short stories and a poem.

6. More on Poe… To understand his work, you must know more about his life. You will watch a biography and answer questions as you view. Pay attention. This information will be important later in the unit.