Emerson Project

 

Introduction

Reading and studying Emerson’s essays are only half of understanding. To truly know what he is saying, you must use the information yourself. This project is designed to do that.

The assignment

In a group of three, I am asking you to read Emerson’s essay "Nature" and do the following:

• a catalogue of ten pictures captioned

• a critical essay comparing this essay to an earlier work we have studied in class, and

• a one minute improvisational speech.

Part 1: Pictures

As a group, find ten pictures that illustrate a point Emerson is making in his essay and caption them with a quotation from the essay.

You may use the web, CDs, art books, cameras, and/or scanners to come up with the artwork. By using a computer, you can superimpose the quote on top of the graphic.

It is tremendously easy to do a poor catalogue. Each picture must illustrate one of Emerson’s points.

Example: A photo of horses running in the woods is a poor example of nature "mimicking the human soul," while one of Thomas Cole’s paintings, with a shaft of light striking a tree, might be a good illustration.

Part 2: Essay

Individually, write a critical essay that discusses Emerson’s essay in light of another work we have studied. You may use any poem, novel, or essay that we have used.

The paper should be around three pages typed, should well structured with strong transitions, should have figurative language, and should be thoughtful.

You will have to use a nature opening, which is like the anecdote, save that it finds its example in nature.

Continued on next page

Emerson Project, Continued

Part 3: Stand and Deliver

Each of you will need to deliver a one minute impromptu speech on one of the pieces of art that you have selected. I will select the piece of art you will speak on just before you are asked to speak.

I will be grading primarily on content, and secondarily on style and mechanics.