American Renaissance Writers
American Renaissance Writers
ENG/491
December 19, 2011
Peggy Walls
American Renaissance Writers
The American Renaissance, in literary circles occurred during the middle to late 1800s. “One of the most important influences of the period was that of the transcendentalists” (Britannica, 2011). Major writers during this perid had a common bond. Their platform was ‘an idealic system of thought based on a belief in the essential unity of all creation, the innate goodness of man, and the supremacy of insight over logic and experience for revelation of the deepest truths. (Britannica, 2011). Among these writers and philosophers were many great Americans such as Edgar Allen Poe and Ralph Waldo Emmerson. It is important to note; however, that during this period, women writers were more accepted and more common. This truth is evidenced through the writings of such great women as Harriott Beecher Stowe, Emily Dickenson, and Louise May Alcott.
Culture, Politics, and Religion
The Renaissance had a profound influence on the course of the development of modern American society, culture, and, since it is a natural extension of both, artistic expression. The Renaissance influence in America brought about a new focus on humanism and as a result, a subsequent turning away from the dominant ideals put forth by the church. Although religion was still of the greatest influence throughout the period of the Renaissance, the dawning recognition of human potential and scientific inquiry shaped the course of Western history and does still influence contemporary American culture today. Before the Renaissance, writers generally tended to focus on issues of a religious nature. Countless texts instructed readers about how to live a pious life and discussed Christian heroes. The Renaissance brought about influence to new writers who sought to break with this tradition and present a more realistic version of life. Several authors from the Renaissance period had a significant
ENG/491
December 19, 2011
Peggy Walls
American Renaissance Writers
The American Renaissance, in literary circles occurred during the middle to late 1800s. “One of the most important influences of the period was that of the transcendentalists” (Britannica, 2011). Major writers during this perid had a common bond. Their platform was ‘an idealic system of thought based on a belief in the essential unity of all creation, the innate goodness of man, and the supremacy of insight over logic and experience for revelation of the deepest truths. (Britannica, 2011). Among these writers and philosophers were many great Americans such as Edgar Allen Poe and Ralph Waldo Emmerson. It is important to note; however, that during this period, women writers were more accepted and more common. This truth is evidenced through the writings of such great women as Harriott Beecher Stowe, Emily Dickenson, and Louise May Alcott.
Culture, Politics, and Religion
The Renaissance had a profound influence on the course of the development of modern American society, culture, and, since it is a natural extension of both, artistic expression. The Renaissance influence in America brought about a new focus on humanism and as a result, a subsequent turning away from the dominant ideals put forth by the church. Although religion was still of the greatest influence throughout the period of the Renaissance, the dawning recognition of human potential and scientific inquiry shaped the course of Western history and does still influence contemporary American culture today. Before the Renaissance, writers generally tended to focus on issues of a religious nature. Countless texts instructed readers about how to live a pious life and discussed Christian heroes. The Renaissance brought about influence to new writers who sought to break with this tradition and present a more realistic version of life. Several authors from the Renaissance period had a significant
References: Harriet Beecher Stowe 's Life. (2011). Retrieved December 18, 2011, from Harriet Beecher Stowe Center: http://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/hbs/ American Transcendentalism Web Smith, N. (2010). The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern American Society, Culture and Art. Retrieved December 18, 2011, from Article Myraid: http://www.articlemyriad.com/204.htm Swenson, T Walker, S. (2010). Louisa May Alcott 's Works. Retrieved December 18, 2011, from Buried Treasure: http://www.buriedtreasurebooks.com/littlewomen.php American Renaissance