Transcendentalism, “began as a movement of ideals that altered society’s traditional beliefs on religion and spirituality” (Characteristics of the Literary Time Period). The characteristics of transcendentalism was that society believed that every single thing in the entire world, was, “a reflection on the Divine Soul” (American Literature Timeline). Other characteristic of transcendentalism is that transcendentalist believed in non-conformity, simplicity, self-reliance, oversoul, importance of the individual, and the importance of nature. Transcendentalists also believed that individualism is key to push out any extra authority that deems on religion. Some famous authors during this time were Ralph Waldo Emerson, Theodore …show more content…
This era found imagination much more important than reason and emotions more important than logic. The characteristics of romanticism is that it deals with individuality, personal freedom, celebration of of the simple life, interest of folk traditions, supernatural elements, and interest in past history. Other characteristics would include an interest in common man which meant that they believed that people acting in a savage manner was honorable and that it causes one's heart to aim for better things. As for emotions over logic, romantics thought that to gain knowledge, one has to gain it from within and by experience, not by getting taught from someone. Another characteristic that was important in this era was that it, “stresses on self-expression and individual uniqueness that does not lend itself to precise definition” (The Romantic Era). Lastly, another characteristic is that they celebrated individuals which meant that romantics celebrated those who were misunderstood by others. Famous artists during that time would include J.M.W. Turner, and William Blake. Also, some famous romantic authors would include Edgar Allan Pope, and Samuel Taylor …show more content…
Some famous works that were written during the time of the civil war were, Herman Melville who wrote the book, Battle Pieces and Aspects of the War. These novels were known to dedicated, “to the memory of the three hundred thousand who in the war for the maintenance of the Union fell devotedly under the flag of their fathers” (Digital Collections for the Classroom). As for slavery literature, it has been known to this day to be, “the form and themes of some of the most celebrated and controversial writing, both in fiction and in autobiography, in the history of the United States” (Slave Narrative American Literature). Slave literature has been known to been written about major points of what has happened on plantations of different slaves, or even the viewpoints of slaveholders. Some famous authors during these times would be Herman Melville for the civil war and Frederick Douglass for the slavery