Journal #5

Throughout the semester, we have seen how different ideas of the individual emerged in Early American history and literature from the competing influences of the Judeo-Christian and Enlightenment traditions. In addition, we have seen a new strain in the Romantic writings of Emerson and Thoreau that valorize the individual and experience in new ways. Discuss EITHER Hawthorne’s “The Minister’s Black Veil” OR Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” in relation to these questions. What does the story suggest about the relationship of the individual to the community? What is the fate of the individual who sets himself or herself apart? What does this suggest about the author’s view of human nature? Can being individuals make us free? Happy? Make specific comparisons to other texts we have read and be as specific as possible in your response.

Your journal entry should be a page to two pages, typed, double-spaced and carefully proofread. Due in class on Thursday, November 30th.