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Thoreau, Emerson, and Transcendentalism

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Transcendentalism: What Is It?

Introduction
Major Tenets
Reasons for the Rise of the Movement
Forms of Expressing Transcendental Philosophy
Lasting Impact of the Movement

Introduction to the Times

Historical Context
Political Context
Social Context
Religious Context
Philosophical Context
Cultural Context
Literary Context
Timeline

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life and Background of Emerson
Introduction to Emerson’s Writing
Selective Chronology of Emerson’s Writings
Emerson’s Reputation and Influence

Emerson’s “Nature”

Introduction
Synopsis
Major Themes

Emerson’s “The Divinity School Address”

Synopsis
Major Themes

“Experience”

Synopsis
Major Themes

Emerson’s “Hamatreya”

Synopsis
Major Themes

Henry David Thoreau

Life and Background of Thoreau
Introduction to Thoreau’s Writing
Selected Chronology of Thoreau’s Writings
Thoreau’s Reputation and Influence

Thoreau’s “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers”

Synopsis
Major Themes

Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience”

Synopsis
Major Themes

Thoreau’s “Walden”

Synopsis
Major Themes

Thoreau’s “Walking”

Synopsis
Major Themes

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Essay Questions
Extended Reading and Research Topics
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1:  Which of the following is not a tenet of Transcendentalism?

a. The importance of a direct relationship with God

b. A conviction to work for social justice

c. The need to pursue oneness with nature

d. The use of scientific reason as the basis for truth
2:  What term do Transcendentalists use to describe the unity that exists between man, nature, and God?

a. Nirvana

b. Oversoul

c. Hamatreya

d. Collective Unconscious
3:  Which religious tradition is most associated with New England Transcendentalism?

a. Calvinism

b. Congregationalism

c. Unitarianism

d. Puritanism
4:  Emerson and Thoreau both lived in what city?

a. Concord

b. Philadelphia

c. Portland

d. Worcester
5:  Which of the following questions is not addressed in the “Spirit” section of Emerson’s work, Nature?

a. What is matter?

b. Where does matter come from?

c. What is the purpose of matter?

d. When will matter cease to exist?
6:  According to Emerson's "The Divinity School Address," the "sentiment of virtue" is described as what?

a. The calm ecstasy of achieved consumption

b. Reverence and delight in the presence of certain divine laws

c. The courage to advance confidently in the direction of one's dreams

d. The law of moral and mental gain
7:  In the essay "Experience" what does Emerson present as the inspiration behind all the nobler actions of man?

a. Material influence

b. Compassion for the poor

c. The machinery of the intellect

d. The divine "First Cause"
8:  Emerson's poem "Hamatreya" was based on a passage from what source?

a. Vishnu Purana

b. Koran

c. Paradise Lost

d. Valhalla
9:  Who owned the land around Walden pond where Thoreau built his cabin?

a. Ralph Waldo Emerson

b. Charles Stearns Wheeler

c. Bronson Alcottt

d. Nathaniel Hawthorne
10:  In the "Economy" chapter of Walden, what does Thoreau say are "not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind"?

a. The luxuries and comforts of life

b. Politics and government

c. Private schools

d. Individual freedoms
11:  Thoreau wrote Civil Disobedience in response to what historical event?

a. The War of 1812

b. The Civil War

c. The Mexican War

d. Fugitive Slave Law of 1850
12:  What are the two sides of man's dual nature, according to Thoreau in the "Higher Laws" chapter of Walden?

a. Intellectual and divine

b. Animal and spiritual

c. Collective and individual

d. Immoral and responsible
13:  Which of the following values does Thoreau not seek after in the essay "Walking"?

a. Useful Knowledge

b. Useful Ignorance

c. Beautiful Knowledge

d. Sympathy with Intellect



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