Walt Whitman and the Civil War

Walt Whitman is considered by many to be America's first great poet. Why? He changed the game, and displayed a unique American voice. Often called "The Good Gray Poet" or "The Bard of Democracy," he essentially created free verse poetry. Here is some information on him.

What is free verse? It is an open form of poetry that does not use consistent meter patterns or rhyme. However, by repeating phrases and using commas, a poet can create both a rhythm and structure. Internal pattern of sounds, choice of exact words, and effect of associations give free verse its beauty.

Let's look at Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" as an example.

To open our unit on the Civil War (here's our schedule), you will look at some of Whitman's writing, as well as some Civil War photography, and make some connections. The ultimate goal is to create three original pieces—a piece of prose, a piece of poetry, and a photograph/illustration—interpreting what you have been given. Here is your project. We will eventually evaluate each other's work in a gallery-setting.

Also, on the agenda for today, is to watch part of Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War, and answer some questions.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

"I want to add my testimony to that of abler pens to convince the people of the Free States what slavery really is. Only by experience can any one realize how deep, and dark, and foul is that pit of abominations."

Today we examine Harriet Jacobs' slave narrative, and we will read a few excerpts from that novel. Some information about her from the great website harrietjacobs.org:

After nearly seven years hiding in a tiny garret above her grandmother’s home, Harriet Ann Jacobs took a step other slaves dared to dream in 1842; she secretly boarded a boat in Edenton, N.C., bound for Philadelphia, New York and, eventually, freedom. The young slave woman’s flight, and the events leading up to it, are documented in heart-wrenching detail in her autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself, self-published in 1861 under the pseudonym Linda Brent.
A significant personal history by an African American woman, Harriet Jacobs’ story is as remarkable as the writer who tells it. During a time when it was unusual for slaves to read and write, self-publishing a first-hand account of slavery’s atrocities was extraordinary. That it was written by a woman, unprecedented.

Here are guiding questions as we read this book! Remember to always point to specifics when answering questions. Pull quotes!

In addition, you are responsible for the readings about the Fugitive Slave Law (and the questions that go along with them).

Frederick Douglass

"Frederick Douglass" circa 1860s - Public Domain

Today we look at the one and only Frederick Douglass. We'll watch parts of When the Lion Wrote History and answer some questions. We'll also read a  couple things: Excerpt of "My Bondage, My Freedom" as well as a speech from Douglass titled "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro."

Abolitionist Movement

Background of the Civil War: Events, Trends, and Important People

Our next unit looks at our country as we headed towards The Civil War. Check out our schedule, as well as a PowerPoint on the Abolitionist Movement.

We'll also tackle some primary source readings ("The Abolitionist Crusade") and answer some questions.

Make sure to read chapter 19 in Pageant, and take notes...quiz on Tuesday.

Art and Literature of the 19th Century

After a week hiatus, the blog is BACK! Here are some things to think about:

• Notes on Nathaniel Hawthorne and "Anti-Transcendentalism"
• "Minister's Black Veil"- Story and Questions

As we wrap-up this first unit consider this: How has the literature we have read thus far help define the American Character? What qualities of the Deerslayer, the philosophy of Emerson and Thoreau, and Hawthorne's dark tale make up that elusive "American Identity"?

We will end this unit on a group project. Remember going over How to Analyze Art and How to Analyze Poetry? That was the pre-cursor to the "Art and Literature of the 19th Century Small Group Project." Here is a list of artists and writers.