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

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

“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