Transcendentalism, a 19th-century American literary and philosophical movement, emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature. Transcendentalists believed that society and its institutions—particularly organized religion and political parties—corrupted the purity of the individual. They had faith that people are at their best when truly "self-reliant" and independent. Nature played a crucial role as a source of inspiration, spiritual insight, and a pathway to understanding the divine. Many AP Literature questions explore the connection between these transcendentalist ideals and the portrayal of nature in various texts.
This worksheet will test your understanding of key terms, your ability to recognize transcendentalist themes in excerpts, and your capacity for critical thinking about the relationship between transcendentalism and nature.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Transcendentalism | A. The belief in inherent goodness and self-reliance. |
| 2. Self-Reliance | B. A rejection of materialism in favor of spiritual understanding. |
| 3. Intuition | C. The ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. |
| 4. Nonconformity | D. The failure or refusal to conform to a prevailing rule or practice. |
| 5. Oversoul | E. A unifying spiritual force to which each individual soul returns. |
(Answers: 1-A, 2-D, 3-C, 4-B, 5-E)
Complete the following passage with the correct words related to Transcendentalism:
__________ believed that individuals should look inward and trust their __________ rather than blindly following societal norms. They saw __________ as a place of spiritual awakening and emphasized the importance of __________ and independence. The concept of the __________ suggests a universal connection between all beings and nature.
(Answers: Transcendentalists, intuition, nature, self-reliance, Oversoul)
How does the transcendentalist view of nature differ from a purely scientific or utilitarian perspective? Provide examples from literature or your own observations to support your answer.
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