1. BW 13 February 2018
Take the following quiz to see if you agree with the main ideas of Transcendentalism.
1. I get most of my knowledge from
A. books and other people.
B. my own experience and intuition.
2. I believe that government should be
A. very powerful.
B. very limited.
3. When walking through the woods, I feel
A. scared.
B. comfortable.
4. Titles, positions of power, and awards are
A. important.
B. unimportant.
5. Good decisions are more often made by
A. groups.
B. individuals.
Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog

2. Objective & Purpose
Learn about transcendentalism and consider its effect on Chris McCandless.
Gain a deeper understanding for how American Literature explores the relationship between nature and identity.

3. Transcendentalism Started in New England in the 19th Century
Self-reliance; they distrusted anyone claiming political, religious, or intellectual authority. They believed that each person should trust his or her own intuition.
Society vs. the individual: Society is usually misguided, and it tends to force conformity.
The connection between people and nature: Nature and human beings are not separate; in fact, everything that exists is unified by one spirit.

4. Transcendentalism
I CELEBRATE myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass. My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd from this soil, this air, Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same, I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death. Creeds and schools in abeyance, Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten, I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, Nature without check with original energy. --Walt Whitman from Leaves of Grass

5. “Walden” Henry David Thoreau
Step 1: Read for Literal Meaning (Find the subject)
What is being said, literally?
What impressions do you get?
What does this make you think about?
Do you have an emotional reaction?

6. “Walden” Henry David Thoreau
Step 2: Consider the Narrator (Voice)
Diction
Highlight words with strong connotations and think about how these added layers affect the passages meaning.
Consider how these words develop the character of the narrator
Shifts
Mark shifts in the passage in either in tone or subject. Mark the effect of the turn.
Tone and Mood
What is the speaker’s attitude? Use diction to help you answer this, but also any other stylistic choice.
What is the mood of the passage?

7. “Walden” Henry David Thoreau
Step 3: Reading for Detail (Find the elements and discuss how they effect tone and meaning)
Figurative Language and Its Effect: Metaphor, Simile, Extended metaphors or conceits
Imagery (how is imagery reinforcing meaning in the passage or effecting tone?)

8. Characterization What do you think of Alex from the letter?
Do you agree with his sentiments?
What does Krakauer do in this chapter, and do you feel his tone has changed towards Chris? How so?

9. Characterization The Belt
On the back of your paper, what does the belt tell us about Chris? Break down the symbols individually, and say what they show about Chris’ character.
On the front, make your own belt. Fill it up with symbols that represent you! On the back, break down your symbols and say what they show about you.
Overall, what does your belt symbolize and what does Chris’ symbolize in respect to him and the book at large? In other words, Chris’ belt is a symbol of…. My belt is a symbol of…

10. HW
Read through chapter 12 by Tuesday and have 15 entries in your journal.
Quiz Tuesday

11. BW 14 February 2018
How does one write a transcendental or romantic poem? What is the content? What is the structure?
Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog (1818)
Caspar David Friedrich

12. “To a Waterfowl” by William Cullen Bryant
Thou’rt gone, the abyss of heaven Hath swallowed up thy form, yet, on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given, And shall not soon depart. He, who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must trace alone, Will lead my steps aright.

13. From Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.

14. Objective & Purpose
Write a romantic/transcendental poem that follows the structure of observation and reflection.
30/30 follows romantic structure and demonstrates a clear self realization or transcendence or understanding. Observation is particularly keen, beautiful, or poignant. No clichés!
25/30 follows structure, though realization may be a bit unclear and observation is less keen, beautiful, or poignant than 30/30. Clichés are used.
20/30 attempt at structure, though both structure and realization may be unclear. Clichés are throughout.
Have a moment of self realization, transcendence, or understanding. Get closer to understanding the motivation of Chris McCandless. Get closer to nature.

15. HW
Read chapters 8-9 tonight and add 2 entries to journal.

16. BW 27 March 2019
What is a manifesto? Brainstorm different ideas for what you think it is based off the picture to the right and based on Alex’s letter to Ron.
Summarize Alex’s manifesto, as it can be seen in his letter to Ron on p What does he believe in? What does he reject?

17. Objective & Purpose
Define “manifesto” and write your own, imitating the letter that Alex writes to Ron.
Declare your own “ism”, as all last week we talked about transcendentalism, the belief that is the basis for Alex’s manifesto.

18. Create Your Manifesto What are you ending?
What do you want the world to be like?
What sort of community are you creating?
Who are we?
Who or what are you defeating?
What way of being are you promoting?
What actions are you encouraging?
What can you build so others can live your idea?

19. Create Your Manifesto
5 things you believe in
5 things you reject

20. Create Your Manifesto Objective Who to write to…
Define “manifesto” and write your own, imitating the letter that Alex writes to Ron.
Your past self
Children
The very person that is not living your manifesto
An old man or woman

21. Homework
Complete Frayer models to List 2 #1-5 on website under handouts.
Complete all Into the Wild Work: belt, transcendental poem (to turnitin.com) & manifesto (to turnitin.com)