Relying on our readings for American Literature from 1820-1865 (everything to be included on Exam 2), find and explain expressions of the tenets of literary romanticism in at least five different authors’ works. This means your essay will be organized around the different tenets of literary romanticism, with evidence cited and then discussed in your own words to illustrate each tenet. Quotes and paraphrases from multiple authors should serve as evidence to support any one particular tenet you are describing. Show that you understand the various tenets of romanticism, and that you can recognize those ideas in particular works we have read.
Tenets of Romanticism
Individuality
Looking to the Past for Wisdom
Supernatural
The Common Man as Hero
Nature
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show your ability to analyze and discuss literature while showing your awareness of historical context and literary characteristics. As a result, no outside sources are needed for this step in the process. You may reference the various introductions in Norton, but you must cite those as well where appropriate.
Caution
Avoid the temptation to look online for papers that might guide your thinking. This often leads to plagiarism, whether on purpose or on accident. Any suspicious material will be checked for plagiarism. Review the Student Responsibilities for more info. If concerned, speak with me. As a reminder, do not use any outside sources for your initial draft.
Organization & Development
Your paper should reflect an understanding of the characteristics of Romanticism and how they can be observed in the various literature we’ve read. Avoid the temptation to summarize each work; that is not what this paper calls for. Neither does this paper ask for personal reflections. You are being asked to analyze text and demonstrate your ability to recognize how certain tenets are expressed through that literature.
As you develop your ideas, write a focused topic sentence for each section, and be sure your ideas contribute to an overall thesis statement, which should not be as simple as “The characteristics of Romanticism can be observed in Romantic literature.” Be sure to use transitions where appropriate. Use direct quotes rather than vague summaries when discussing a primary text.