Like Emerson, Whitman found beauty symbols of American future progress, even in industrial America and standardized and homogenized modern progress like the "Locomotive in Winter": "For once come serve the Muse and merge in verse, even as here I see thee," cries Whitman, celebrating the terrible, beautiful, awesome power of the moving train cars. Whitman finds inspiration in the man-made device, as well as terror. He optimistic, like Emerson, in this poem about the possibility of progress to create something exciting, but Whitman is more tolerant of ambivalence. Emerson says he is willing to contradict himself, but Whitman actually does in spirit, loving the terror of the locomotive, even while he is wary of it, and what it represents.
As a poet, Whitman was always aware that paradox is part of human life. Not even nature was perfect. Nature could be terrible, wild, and wonderful, unlike the natural and quieter pastoral celebrated in Emerson's writings. Human beings, like natural beings, could be sexual and vital as eagles: "The rushing amorous contact high in space together, / the clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel," Whitman...
Ralph Waldo Emerson's Influence on the Poetry of W. Whitman and E. Dickinson During 19th century American literature, orthodox teachings and values are evident in most literary works, which is an evidence of the strong influence religion has over the American society. It is noted that during this period, a new form of religion is emerging as one of the dominant religious organizations in the West, particularly the Protestant religion. Ralph
The poet is in turmoil and he turns from his love in order to prevent tarnishing or "spoil" (Pound 2) her because she is surrounded by a "new lightness" (3). This poem reflects upon the importance of experience. Like the poets mentioned before, this poet wants us to consider every aspect of our actions. We should not only think of what we want to do but also how that
Edgar Allen Poe, Washington Irving, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, James Fennimore Cooper, Mary Rowlandson, Walt Whitman) describe writing style, a discussion literary work. Edgar Allan Poe: Poe's amoral universe The American poet and short story author Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most famous mystery and horror writers of the 19th century. Contrary to many of his contemporaries, Poe
"An older, more experienced teacher questions whether 15- to 17-year-old kids are really ready yet to handle Keating's brand of freedom. 'Gee, I never pegged you for a cynic,' says Keating. 'I'm not,' says the other teacher. 'I'm a realist.'… Although there's a carefully placed scene in which Keating tries to make the distinction between unfettered self-expression and self-destructive behavior, the principles behind the re-formation of the Dead Poets
Essay Topic Examples 1. The Role of Nature in the American Renaissance Romantic Period: Explore how nature is characterized and glorified in the works of American Renaissance Romantic writers. Discuss the symbolic and thematic significance of the natural world in the context of societal progress and the individual's spiritual journey. 2. Transcendentalism and Its Influence on American Romantic Literature: Analyze the philosophical movement of Transcendentalism and its impact on the literature of the American
Creative Writing Portfolio Over this course, I have learned a fair bit about analysis. I have looked at poetry, in my metaphor analysis, a visual analysis of the South African flag, and I conducted a discourse analysis of Emerson's "Self-Reliance." These steps taught me three key things. First, they taught me to look at things from different perspectives. Second, they taught me to examine the underlying arguments found in all works
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now