1. What’s a motto? (I don’t know, what’s a motto with you?)

2. Tear & Share Group brainstorming using the "Tear and Share” four questions are: 1. What is an example of a “non-conformist”? 2. What is meant by the term “self-reliance”? 3. How important is nature to you? 4. What does it mean to be a transcendentalist?

3. Tear & Share 1. Fold Paper into 4’s & number 1, 2, 3, 4 Answer the 4 questions independently on your squares (brief response) Get into groups of 4 Fold the paper into 4 squares & tear into 4’s. Someone take all the 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s – write a summary WHOLE CLASS, 1s, 2s,3s, 4s join up Write a synthesis that summarizes all the ideas of the group. Share summaries as a group. Record your summaries.

4. Good to know… Do not say that the Romantic period was merely about “nature”. That’s not the case. Nature INSPIRED them. Romantics were about Power of the individual – capturing the “American” spirit Pointing out society’s problems (slavery, reform, etc) Rebelling against REASONING (they love imagination, trusting your EMOTIONS).

5. Emerson (another kinda rich white guy!) Key transcendentalist (got that?) 4 key tenets (beliefs) Every individual is capable of discovering this truth on his/her own. People are inherently good and should follow their own beliefs, however controversial they may be Humankind, nature and God are connected People should live simple, mindful lives

6. Aphorism A brief statement, about 1 sentence long, that expresses a general principle or truth about life. Emerson uses many of these Ex. “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” – To Kill a Mockingbird A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

7. Transcendentalism How might transcendentalists react to these statements? 1. Some people are just bad apples 2. Go with your gut.

8. What’s your aphorism? Emerson: “Imitation is suicide.” Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty or give me death!” Gloria Steinem: “A woman without a man is that like a fish without a bicycle.” What’s your aphorism?

9. A Journey to Nowhere Write a poem in which you undertake a journey to an unknown destination. The poem does not necessarily have to have a formal “plot” but it does have to leave you, at the end, in a wholly unexpected place; either in the midst of a strange landscape or in the middle of a threatening or exciting discovery. Begin with a predicament – the speaker is lost, hunting, put into a quest they don’t want to take on, or an ordinary journey that turns weird. Make it long enough it’s tough to predict outcome.

10. Focus for Reading Self-Reliance… What is the question posed to Emerson in “Self- Reliance”? People are inherently good, and trust your gut, right? What it my gut tells me to do bad stuff? Watch for aphorisms. Look for study guide answers.

11. Focus for from “Nature” Intense connection to nature. Have you ever felt “perfect exhilaration” or other strong emotion in a natural setting? Interpret: What does Emerson mean when he says, “I become a transparent eye-ball”

12. Thoreau I’m not paying your stinkin’ taxes!!!! The classic nonconformist – friends with Emerson! He rebelled against wealth, but uh… he did go to Harvard. Lived in a cabin on Walden Pond Figurative language – figures of speech basically Anecdotes – personal stories

13. Walden Many inspired by his viewpoints Including – Mr. Koller (my bro!)Mr. Koller (my bro!) I Love Marmots How long did he spend there? Why does he use the example of fire? What 2 groups did he complain about? What does he say about rich/poor? What do you think Thoreau would say about the 47%? Why did he leave the woods?

14. Civil Disobedience Do you know anyone famous who went against the grain and “took a stand”, breaking a law that he/she didn’t agree with? What about personally? Thoreau pitied the state for putting him in prison because the action showed that the state.. ? What figurative language does Thoreau use in “Civil Disobedience” to clarify his concept of how to deal with unjust laws?

15. Mock Trial! The State of Massachusetts vs. Henry David Thoreau. Each table write a script where everyone takes a role: prosecutor, judge, defense attorney and Thoreau. What would they ask and what would the answers be? What would the judge say when the verdict is read?