Mrs. Foster's American Literature Class

Today we had two presentations on Meriwether Lewis and John Wesley Powell.

Here is a fabulous film (although dated) on the life and expedition of Lewis and Clark.

Below are the power point presentations on Meriwether Lewis and John Welsey Powell.

Meriwether Lewis – 5th Period

John Welsey Powell – 5th Period

We are looking at the Transcendental period in which writers desired to find real truth, not merely what society called truth.  Make sure that you are staying up to date on the readings of “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” because Transcendentalism plays a major role in this play.

Here is a clip from the film “The Dead Poet’s Society.”  How might this clip relate to Thoreau’s idea of mixing up the alphabet?

Make sure you are keeping up with the journaling!!!

Today we will be discussing “Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes and “Snowbound” by John Greenleaf Whittier.

For homework, answer questions #4, 5 on page 281 and #1,4,5 on page 288, and #4 on page 289.

Here is a clip of the actual ship “Old Ironsides” which is now called the U.S.S. Constitution.

Below are the power points for both Holmes and Whittier

Oliver Holmes – 4th Period

Oliver Holmes – 5th Period

John Greenleaf Whittier – 4th Period

John Greenleaf Whittier – 5th Period

Make sure you are journaling in your journals! Every time we read a new work, write an entry!

Tonight’s homework: answer the question “Is death natural?”

Here is a clip from “The Dead Poet’s Society.”  It emphasizes a point from Bryant’s “Thanatopsis” in that all of us must die, taking comfort in the fact that we will all be buried together.  …kinda a sad concept…but that’s what he wrote.

As well, the clip depicts the concept of “Carpe Diem” meaning Seize the Day…another concept embraced by Transcendentalism.

Below are the links to the power points of both Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and William Cullen Bryant

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – 4th Period

William Cullen Bryant – 4th Period

William Cullen Bryant – 5th Period

Today we discussed a little of America’s history during this time period.  Remember that America has become independent and is now attempting to create it’s own culture and break away from England.  As well, westward expansion was a huge deal at this time!

But remember, with westward expansion also comes tragedy.  We did discuss the Trail of Tears in which the Native Americans were pushed westward.  Here is a short clip that somewhat details what happened.

NO SCHOOL BECAUSE OF FLOOD!!

NO SCHOOL BECAUSE OF FLOOD!

Hey! This has been a crazy and busy week!!!!

Don’t forget to begin reading the first act of The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail.

AND! If you have not become my “friend” on goodreads.com, DO IT!

TEST ON TUESDAY!!!

American Literature Review Sheet!!!