Mrs. Kizlyk – English 3A
Unit #2: Romanticism, Transcendentalism, & Gothic Literature
In-class Essay
Directions: For the final assessment for Unit #2, you will be writing another in-class essay on 11/15 or
11/16. You are focusing on the three literary movements that we have studied this unit. You may only
use this packet, which includes an outline. You will handwrite your paper, and it will be due at the end
of class time; attach the colored rubric to the front of your paper. Don’t forget to write your name on
your rubric!
Requirements:
 Length: Five paragraphs (introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding
paragraph)
 NO PERSONAL STATEMENTS! Yes, it IS your opinion, but you will not refer to yourself
in this essay. See examples in your book.
Intro Paragraph - Discuss how the development of these literary movements was a reaction to the
Puritans and the Age of Reason movement. You might also want to address what was going on in
America during the early to mid-1800s as well. Make sure that this paragraph is at least 7 – 8 good,
complex sentences. End this paragraph with a three part thesis statement.
Three Body Paragraphs - In each body paragraph, you will discuss the literary movement using details
and characteristics that define the movement. You may also discuss the similarities and differences
between the three movements as well. For each movement, discuss two pieces of literature that we read
or watched for the movement. Explain how each piece of literature reflects the characteristics and traits
of the movement. You may only use your prepared notes sheet to help you out.

Romanticism: The three pieces that we read/watched include “The Devil and Tom Walker”, The
Last of the Mohicans, the poem(s) that you analyzed for the poetry activity. These poems
include the following: “Song of Myself”, “A Psalm of Life”, “The Rainy Day” & “Autumn”,
“Footsteps of Angels”, “The Two Streams” & “Departed Days”, “May is a Pious Fraud” &
“Auspex”, “A Dream of Summer.” Choose at least two pieces to discuss.

Transcendentalism: The two pieces that we read are “Self-Reliance” & “Civil Disobedience.”
You need to include both pieces in your paragraph.

Gothic/Dark Romanticism: The two pieces that we read/viewed include The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow & your chosen Gothic piece that you read. The story that you read includes one of the
following: “The Masque of the Red Death”, “The Raven”, “The Fall of the House of Usher”, &
“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment.” Make sure to cover both of these pieces.
Concluding Paragraph – Wrap up the points made in your paper; make sure that this paragraph is at
least 7 – 8 good, complex sentences.
Outline for Unit #2 Essay
I.
Introduction/Details about early to mid-1800s & reaction from earlier
literature (7-8 sentences minimum):
Claim (Three Part Thesis Statement):_____________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
II.
Romanticism
A. Details about literary movement to include:
B. Literature piece to support #1:_________________________
1.
2.
C. Literature piece to support #2: :_________________________
1.
2.
III. Transcendentalism
A. Details about literary movement to include:
B. Literature piece to support #1:_________________________
1.
2.
C. Literature piece to support #2: :_________________________
1.
2.
IV.
Gothic / Dark Romanticism
A. Details about literary movement to include:
B. Literature piece to support #1:_________________________
1.
2.
C. Literature piece to support #2: :_________________________
1.
2.
V.
Re-State Thesis First
Conclusion: (7-8 sentences minimum)
Summarize examples and supports from the body paragraph.