Poetry During The Transcendentalism Movement

The creation of art, specifically poetry, is a coping mechanism, used for the author to frame emotions and compile them into words. There is no responsibility in writing; however, when the poem is opened to a larger group, through publishing or other modes of distribution, the author then shoulders a responsibility. Poetry has started, defined and rallied movements. That is where the accountability lies. Knowing every work published can be the pivotal rally point for millions, poets must carefully select every phrase and produce works they would only want a serious revolution surrounding. This does not mean every piece of poetry will become a rally cry, but if a poet wants to address serious issues they have the responsibility of analyzing

their art not just regarding style, but also ideology.

Poets held that responsibility during the Transcendentalism Movement, which thrived and began because of poetry. Poems like Emerson’s “Nature” changed Americas relationship to nature and American perspective regarding life. Similarly, the Beat Movement itself was solely a literature and poetry movement; however, eventually the Beat Movement became the cry for reformation in the 1960s. The war on poverty, the new feminism movement, the civil rights and an increased anti-Vietnam War sentiment all sprouted from the call for reformation by the Beat Movement. Both the Transcendentalism Movement and Beat Movement are evidence that poetry ignites a purposeful response. (6) This ideology is significant when considering political poetry, seemingly an oxymoron, but poems initiate legislation and social movements for a variety of causes. American political poetry is a timeless representative of a larger group of people, portraying their emotions through the artist's values, opinions and skills. Art gives groups of people the opportunity and responsibility to emotionally and candidly share their thoughts, including ideology clashes and perspective differences, on the political state of the United

States.
The anthology presented primarily regards poems and speeches about the policy or persona of different presidents of the United States of America. Abraham Lincoln put himself in the front of the fight against slavery, vulnerable to the opposing, passionate army. Both armies consisted of militia; however, they also included politicians, poets and artist. Lincoln is known as the great emancipator as he delivered the Emancipation Proclamation leading to the thirteenth amendment, freeing African Americans from slavery. It is easy to deem pro-slavery Americans as immoral racist and often they were, but there was also confederates, the group that fought against Lincoln, that believed that slavery was a necessarily evil in America. Meaning they understood the immoral aspect, but thought society would crumble without it. The necessary evil and white supremacist ideologies combined to fight the North in the Civil War. Upon the end of the war, slaves were liberated and Abraham Lincoln achieved his goal, but few years prior, his chances seemed slim as people mistrusted his handling of the war and his persona. (4) Further proven by the fact that he was barely reelected for a second term; however, the reelection underscored a society recognizing the brute nature of the slavery dilemma and that no one could have dealt with the issue better than Lincoln.
Lincoln had a reputation as a strong president with a moral agenda to combat the worlds problems.

“O Captain! My Captain!” portrays Lincoln as a navy officer dying after steering his crew on a dangerous, successful mission. The reputation of Lincoln is of similar honor. He was shot after leading America back to unity and closer to equality, thus he is regarded as an exemplary leader. Years later his reputation remains intact as “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” shows a virtuous Lincoln walking down the street perplexed by the death and atrocities during the early1900s, the time of the author’s life. Lincoln is seen as the virtuous man walking down the street because he overcame persona criticism, leadership clashes and other obstacles in attempt to pursue his moral agenda. (5) Similarly, other presidents have sacrificed their political capital and possibly their reputation to improve

America.
Due to the lack of effective policy of his predecessor, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt took office in 1933 with a bulk of the great depression disaster. Dealing with the largest economic, bank and stock market failure in United States history, Herbert Hoover regarded it as a passing problem that required little government intervention and societies’ patience. His failing approach did not combat the turmoil as the Great Depression remained devastating and unemployment was at a rising twenty-five percent. Three years after the crash, Franklin Roosevelt took office, elected after campaigning for an active federal government with the goal of spending to lift the country out of depression. His policies including investing billions into public works projects, giving future bank crisis victims relief and better human rights for workers. Generally, the public supported these policies as it was aimed at fighting unemployment, saving democracy (people knew dictators take advantage of a societies’ depression) and guiding society through the crisis. (3) Eleanor Roosevelt was pivotal to rallying congressional and citizen support for the New Deal, she played an active political role and campaigned as a likeable, friendly, empathetic First Lady. That created persona is shown in “Footprints in Your Heart,” where Eleanor Roosevelt rallies political support by addressing friendship, poverty, love and more with her optimistic spirit and friendly attitude. This perception of Eleanor Roosevelt, pivotal to her immense impact on the Roosevelt administration, was reestablished through her demonstration of intelligence, commitment to moral policy and care for her paralyzed husband. Eleanor Roosevelt and the pro-New Deal revelation won the battle; however, opposition was fierce and vast. (2)
Opposition to the New Deal were not pro-poverty and anti-human rights monsters, they solely had a different vision for the role of federal government in the conflict. Herbert Hoover, against the New Deal, believed in a less regulatory government with power delegated mainly to state governments. Also, critics recognized this policy would increase the national debt as the projects would cost more money then the federal government had. Lastly, the New Deal did not end the great depression; many viewed it as a “band aid” fix, not enough to solve the issues engrained in society. The end of the great depression did not come until World War 1, where manufacturing and food supplies were necessary overseas. (2) The debate over the New Deal was tough as the basic governmental philosophies of both sides were polar. In the end, a majority of the New Deal passed, due to the Roosevelt’s support, leading to an improved economy; however, the critics, as they always do, ensued.
The alleged “misogynist,” Donald Trump starred in the controversial election of 2016 against the alleged “criminal” Hillary Clinton in arguably the most polarizing election in modern history. This election was not simply Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton, but included Trump and Hillary detractors who voted for a “lesser evil.” Anti-Trump and pro-Hillary voters riveted society, creating a movement initiated and developed by artists. Poetry regarding determination to defeat Donald Trump created activists and thus, a movement was defined. The movement was primarily about persona rather than policy, anti-Trump supporters attacked Trump for being misogynistic, unqualified, unsympathetic and unfiltered. These claims were not unproven speculations, but rather based on statements and evidence. People deemed Trump misogynistic for referring to women as “pigs” and “disgusting animals” and for being an alleged sexual predator. The unqualified claim is based on his lack of political experience and understanding of dense policies. He is considered unsympathetic and unfiltered for mocking a disabled supporter and calling Mexican illegal immigrants “rapist.” These missteps created an art induced revolution, but some passed these comments as minor issues in a race were big change was necessary.
Despite the revolution opposing Donald Trump, the uprising he created won the election. Although artist tend to lean left, against Trump, some poets worked to back and support Trump’s movement. The supporters were infatuated with his bluntness, populist theory, die-hard American love and his sway from normal political correctness. A presidential candidate speaking for the needs of the average American without the fluff and political correctness of a normal candidate was appealing. People cared more about his ideology and less about his specific plans and policies, thus a president people would want a beer with won over actual strategy. (1) The promise to revive the American dream mobilized support for Donald Trump and was the reason he was elected as the forty-sixth president of the United States.
American government is built of political movements, those movements are established in part because of art forms, like poetry. Political poetry gives artist responsibility and impact of, as a single poem has and can initiate a revelation in policy. Also, poets can consciously yet candidly share their opinions and perspectives, leading to ideology clashes. These clashes and movements, impacted by poetry, are relevant in the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Donald Trump. Poetry impacted and motivated both their supports and critics to generate progress and debate in attempt to expand a groups ideology and make positive change. The poetry created movement is consistent throughout history, thus the anthology is in chronological order and addresses more than three centuries of United States history. Furthering the timelessness and spirit of debate in political poetry, some poets discuss politics through multiple eras, not just a single person. This is significant as it delves into previous clashes and historically demonstrates art moves people to action. Political poetry impacts society, brings like ideologies together, promotes debate and initiates revolutions.