Draft of week 8 assignment

William M. Wood Jr.
ENG 241
Professor Brandon
3-4-2010

I have never read Poe, Thoreau, Franklin, Fitzhugh, Crevecoeur, or Emerson until now. I had heard their names mentioned before on Jeopardy. I knew that Poe lived in Richmond for awhile. I knew that Emerson and particularly Thoreau had a passion for nature. I have learned how Thoreau believed that man needs to reconnect with nature and the simpler things in life. I wish it were that easy. I was thrilled to learn that Emerson was a non conformist like me. Poe taught me just how monstrous the human mind can be. I had writings from the abolitionists before. In contrast, I did not even know that there was literature written to defend the idea of slavery.
To sum it up, so far these past eight weeks have taught me a lot about what each of these authors had to say. I have also learned valuable lessons. I have learned the contrast of the Age of Reason with The Age of Romanticism. More importantly each of the assignments has taught me a little more about myself.
I will attempt to write briefly about what I learned from each of these authors. There is so much to say that I doubt I could fit it all in one essay. I will also discuss the case for my grade. I will present evidence to defend my argument.
NOTE:


We started with Romanticism. We discussed three of the American Romantics. Two had very similar ideas and one did not. Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Both valued the individual, employed the idea of feeling over reason, both felt for the little guy, both believed in getting back to nature, and both believed in a small government. Thoreau believed in returning to nature while maintaining a balance of civilization. (INSERT QUOATE TO SUPPORT) Emerson took more of the total return to nature approach. Both were members of the Transcendentalist club of New England. Both leaned towards a utopian style of society. Their view on God was that all things were divine. This led many to believe that the transcendentalists were mad.
Edgar Allen Poe
The abolitionists
The age of Reason
Ben Franklin
Summary
Why do I deserve the grade I think I deserve?
Conclusion
Works Cited