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TRanscendentalism 1. Please CREATE Cornell Notes on the next available page of the writing/notes section. (You will probably need two pages for notes) Your Essential Question: What is transcendentalism? What was Emerson’s and Thoreau’s purpose? 2. You need a highlighter!
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What is Transcendentalism? (ON left)
ON RIGHT: A philosophical and social movement in the late 1820's and 1830's that expressed the idea of individualism. What do you think individualism means?
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(ON LEFT) Individualism means:
Summarize these on the RIGHT side of your notes: …the belief that the needs of each person are more important than the needs of the whole society or group …the actions or attitudes of a person who does things without being concerned about what other people will think Do you feel like you are an individualist? Explain.
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(On the LEFT) The principles of Transcendentalism
Free Thought Individuality Appreciation for the "wonders of nature" Non-conformity Simplified Life
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Two Transcendentalists
Henry David Thoreau Ralph Waldo Emerson
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"Nature" Ralph Waldo Emerson (Glue in after Cornell noTES)
Nature, humanity, and God are united in a shared universal soul, or over-soul.
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Some themes (ADD TO SUMMARY SECTION):
NATURE IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND YOUR TRUE SELF AND APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY AROUND OURSELVES NATURE IS ONLY WAY TO FIND TRUE SOLITUDE BECAUSE IT MAKES US GET AWAY FROM OUR DISTRACTIONS
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Example #1: Avatar Relationship to Emerson’s ideas?
They use nature for their survival The "tree" is considered sacred to them Nature protects the balance of life They believe they must become one with nature
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Example #2: The Lion King
Relationship to Emerson’s ideas? "PRIDE ROCK“ This is where all the animals go to honor the king – it brings everyone together as a WHOLE –community representing the over-soul Emerson wants readers to know that people are part of something bigger – nature is designed to incorporate all things and creature in this world.
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Example #3: The Crocodile hunter
"I put my life on the line to save animals" Example #3: The Crocodile hunter Relationship to Emerson’s ideas? Emerson would suggest that this is giving nature the importance that it deserves.
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ACTIVITY: 1. Draw the place that you like to be in Solitude (alone) Most on a sheet of paper. 2. Be sure to explain on the back of your sheet of paper (This should be at least 4 sentences all together) - why you chose this place? - How is nature a part of your life? - What role does it play in your life for you?
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"Walden" (Glue in after Nature piece) Henry David Thoreau
"Our life is frittered away by detail"
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Some themes: ISOLATION HAPPINESS TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY AND MODERNIZATION
- SIMPLICITY IS KEY!
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Example #1: Shrek Relationship to Thoreau’s ideas?
He lives in a swamp and enjoys the simplified life – he doesn't need anything "extra“ and enjoys his time to himself.
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Example #2: Into The Wild
Relationship to Thoreau’s ideas? - He gets rid of all the extra details and possessions in his life to set out on a journey by himself in nature.
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Example #3: Tarzan Relationship to Thoreau’s ideas?
- They are shocked by all the things that people take advantage of and they can live without those material things just fine. Simplify!
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ACTIVITY: Four Corners
**Fold a sheet of paper into Fours 1. Corner #1 – Write a #Tweet of What you think Thoreau’s main Idea was (His Advice to us) 2. Corner #2 – Draw a Picture to represent your Tweet 3. Corner #3 – List 10 things that you would take with you if that was all you could have. THEN – Explain why you chose those 10 things Corner #4 – Write a Paragraph: DO you agree or disagree with Emerson and Thoreau’s ideas in “Nature” and in “Walden”? Please give three reasons for why you agree or disagree.
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"Self-REliance" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Glue into your Writing Section after the “Nature” and “Walden” pieces from last time!
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Some Themes Avoid conforming Follow your own instincts and ideas
Trust your own inner voice Speak your mind freely
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Example #1 Castaway Relationship to Emerson’s ideas?
He shows how he needs to rely on himself to survive. He has no one else.
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Example #2 Hunger Games Relationship to Emerson’s ideas?
They are all concerned for themselves. Their own individual selves are the most important over anyone else and over society. Emerson would say that you should always come first.
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Example #3 Taylor Swift “Shake It Off”
Relationship to Emerson’s ideas? There are going to be people who tell you to conform to their beliefs, but it is important to stand by your OWN beliefs, and not let their judgments affect you. DO YOU!
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Example #4 “I Don’t Want to BE” Song
Relationship to Emerson’s ideas? Basically, be content in who you are and understand and accept yourself for who you are. You don’t need to be anyone else but you!
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ACTIVITY: Create a Heart Map 1
ACTIVITY: Create a Heart Map 1. In the middle of the map should be whatever is closest to your heart/makes up you, and then move out from there with the rest of things that are important to you ON the bottom of the paper, Explain what you think Thoreau and Emerson might say about the things that you find important… Examples:
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"Civil Disobedience" Henry David Thoreau
“Government is best which governs least (not at all)”
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Some Themes: Civil Disobedience
Believed the government needed to improve itself The government is a hindrance to our ability to be individuals Government does not allow for non- conformity
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Song #1: Jiminy Cricket Song "Give A Little Whistle/Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide"
Relationship to Thoreau’s ideas? Don’t listen to anyone else. Your own thoughts and judgments are more important than anyone else's.
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Song #2: “Where is the love?” Black Eyed Peas
Relationship to Thoreau’s ideas? The government acts as though they are helping society, but they are making things worse for people. Thoreau would say that they have too much power in all these circumstances the song is talking about.
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ACTIVITY: Step 1: Think of One word to describe each of the pieces we have read so far: - nature - Walden - Self-Reliance - Civil Disobedience Step 2: Create an Add for one of the four pieces…you need a slogan and a drawing. For Example: “Looking for a stress free life? Walk outside and enjoy some FREE nature today! ”
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