American Literature
Anti-Transcendentalist Micro-theme Essay
Choose one of the following prompts and compose a Micro-theme essay.
Please see handouts on micro-themes. I do not want a lengthy dissertation, rather a focused responseessay that is accurately and articulately supported.
Topic 1: Compare (similarities)OR Contrast (differences) the writing of 2 authors we have studied this unit. At least ONE of your authors must be an anti-transcendentalist. You may wish to analyze the message, the writing style, the purpose, tone, effect, etc. but pick one of these with which to focus your writing.
Topic 2: Many anti-transcendental authors have some roots in transcendentalism. Hawthorne actually lived at Brook Farms; Melville tries to uncover the true spirit of nature. How does Melville or Hawthorne incorporate some transcendental ideas into their works, but remain anti-transcendental in their messages? Use specific examples from the readings to support your paper.
Topic 3: In what ways did the anti-transcendentalists illustrate the short-comings of human nature, and in doing so, how did they discredit transcendentalism? You should support your claims using specific authors and specific works.
Topic 4: In Moby Dick, Ahab shows great determination and inner conflict as he struggles to understand the role of nature. Ultimately, his obsession with nature is destructive. Contrast Ahab's views about nature with Starbuck's views about nature (specifically the whale). Conclude with the point you think Melville was trying to make about nature and the toll it takes on human nature.
Topic 5: How does the portrayal of Captain Ahab reinforce or illustrate the ideas of anti-transcendentalism? Be sure you define what anti-transcendentalism is in your essay.
Topic 6: Contrast the symbolism of Moby Dick and Captain Ahab. Possible ideas include good vs. evil; light vs. dark; reason vs. instinct; white vs. black; nature vs. reason. Be sure you identify what the symbols stand for and why they are significant.
Topic 7: In the movie Moby Dick, some elements may suggest that Ahab exhibits a “god-complex” (thinks of himself as a demi-god).Argue whether or not he does, in fact, have a “god-complex”and support your claims with specific movie or text examples. You may not flip-flop…meaning you must take a position.