After reviewing and discussing Matthew' s quote analysis homework on "To Build A Fire", I introduced the Romantic and Transcendental literary movements as they intersected in early 19th Century American Literature. With respect to Transcendentalism ,I outlined on the board its characteristics as well as Emerson and Thoreau as its early advocates. Matthew maintained good focus and note taking skill as we explored the Transcendentalist philosophy that through imagination and emotion one could not only commune with Nature but also "transcend" nature to achieve spiritual knowledge. I further emphasized the American trait of "individualism " as an element of the genre.We then read biographical information about the life of Thoreau , and the writing of his famous book, "Walden." We will begin reading an excerpt from "Walden" tomorrow. For HW -watch 5 minute video on Thoreau and read one page handout on Thoreau's writing style.