American Renaissance &

Romantic Period
Cultural Independence: American Renaissance and Romantic Periods

Decades after the American colonies won independence

from England, people began to seek for cultural
independence. As for literature, a number of literary
figures deliberately attempted to create a uniquely
American body of literature. Ralph Waldo Emerson clearly
captured this longing for cultural independence when he
said…

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 “
“We will walk on our own feet; we will work
with our own hands; we will speak our own
minds… A nation of men will for the first time
exist, because each believes himself inspired by
the Divine Soul which also inspires all men.”

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Cultural Independence: American Renaissance and Romantic Periods
In his book “The American
Renaissance: Art and Expressions”
in the Age of Emerson and
Whitman (1941), F.O. Matthiessen
defined “American Renaissance”
as the period that marked the
cultivation of American literature.
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However, Ann Woodlief, in her
Introduction to American
Romanticism, pointed out that
“renaissance” is a misnomer if one
thinks it is a period of rebirth of
earlier American literary greatness.
Instead, in terms of themes and
style, the American Renaissance is
considered the romantic period in
American literature.
 Five Distinctive Characteristics of American Romanticism

▪ Imagination and escapism

▪ Individuality
▪ Nature as a source of spirituality
▪ Looking to the past for wisdom
▪ Seeing the common man as a hero

Please watch the video explaining more about this on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okPFcJntqFA

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Cultural Independence: American Renaissance and Romantic Periods

American writers created a

distinctively American body of
literature of the horror genre.

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1. How do you think the themes of isolation
and loneliness in "The Fall of the House of
Usher" might relate to the experience of
students who are struggling with social
anxiety or feelings of alienation in school?
 The theme of isolation and loneliness in "The Fall
of the House of Usher" might resonate with students who
are struggling with social anxiety or feelings of alienation
in school. The story highlights the importance of seeking
connection and support, as Roderick's descent into
madness and Madeline's death can be seen as a result of
their extreme isolation and lack of social interaction. For
students struggling with similar issues, it can be helpful to
seek out social activities or support groups where they can
connect with others and find a sense of belonging.
2. In the story, Roderick Usher is plagued
by a mysterious illness that ultimately leads
to his demise. How might this reflect the
impact of physical and mental health on
students, and what lessons can we learn from
the story about the importance of seeking
help and support when struggling with illness
or mental health challenges?
 The story's focus on physical and mental
illness highlights the importance of seeking help and
support when struggling with health challenges.
Roderick's illness, which is described as both
physical and psychological, ultimately leads to his
demise. For students, it is important to prioritize
their physical and mental health and seek out
resources such as counselors or healthcare
professionals if they are struggling with health
issues.
4. The story features a number of supernatural
and mysterious elements, from the mysterious
illness that afflicts Roderick and Madeline to the
strange sounds and feelings that permeate the
house. How might this reflect the unknown and
unpredictable elements of life, and what can
students do to embrace and navigate uncertainty
in their own lives?
 The supernatural elements of the story
reflect the unpredictable and unknown aspects of
life. For students, learning to embrace uncertainty
and navigate challenges is an important life skill.
This can include developing resilience and coping
skills, seeking out new experiences and
challenges, and learning to adapt to changing
circumstances
5. At the heart of the story is the relationship
between Roderick and Madeline, who are both
deeply intertwined and ultimately consumed by
the darkness of the family history. How might this
relate to the importance of healthy and positive
relationships in our own lives, and what lessons
can we learn about the dangers of toxic or co-
dependent relationships?
 The co-dependent relationship between
Roderick and Madeline can be seen as a cautionary
tale about the dangers of toxic or unhealthy
relationships. Students should be encouraged to
develop positive and healthy relationships with
friends and family, and to seek out help and support
if they find themselves in a toxic or abusive
relationship. It is important to prioritize one's own
well-being and safety in all relationships.
The Usher family's decline is linked to a sense of
decay and disintegration in their physical
surroundings. How might this relate to issues of
environmental degradation and climate change
that are affecting our world today? How can we
take action to address these global challenges?
The story's themes of decay and disintegration in the
physical surroundings can relate to issues of
environmental degradation and climate change. To
address these challenges, students can take action by
making lifestyle changes that reduce their carbon
footprint, supporting environmental organizations,
and advocating for policy changes at the local and
national level.