Shaq vs. The Romantics

Introducing Shaquille O’Neal

• NBA Superstar• Rapper • Star of

“Kazaam”• TV

phenomenon

Introducing The Romantic Period(1850-1920)

• Emphasis:– Philosophy – Nature– Elegant detail– Freedom & Expression

• Contrast to “harsh” Colonial/Puritan eras

• Leaders: – Ralph Waldo Emerson– Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau

The Romantic Period Overview (1850-1920)

• Art– Music– Dance– Paintings/Sculptures

• Literature– Reflective– Humanistic

• Philosophy– Ralph Waldo Emerson– Henry David Thoreau

Dance Vote!Shaq & Sons?

Fantasia’s Romantic Ostrich?

The Romantic Period Authors & Artists (1850-1920)

• Emphasis– Philosophy – Nature– Elegant detail– Freedom

• Contrast to “harsh” Puritan & Reason eras

• Leaders– Ralph Waldo Emerson– Henry David Thoreau– William Wordsworth

Romantic Art

ShaqArt

Art Vote!Freestyle Shaq Rap?

Mary Cassatt?

Romantic Philosophy

“For all men live by truth, and stand in need of expression. In love, in art, in

avarice, in politics, in labor, in games, we study to utter our painful secret. The man

is only half himself, the other half is his expression.

The PhilosopherFamous quotes from “Big Aristotle”

Philosophy Vote!Shaqrates?

Romantic Philosophers?

Best overall?

TranscendentalismWHAT• Transcend: “To be or

go beyond the range or limits”

• Philosophical and social movement

• Individual soul is the center (Individualism)

• Spirituality not religion

WHY• Reaction to rationalism and rigidity• Champion of reform (abolition, women’s

rights)• Alternative to growing American materialism

WHERE• Concord, MA & New England

WHO• Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, etc.

Transcendentalism

Anti-TranscendentalismWHY• Reaction to “excess” of expression,

freedom• Reaction to lack of “moral standard”

(Unitarianism)

WHERE• Concord, MA & New England

WHO• Nathaniel Hawthorne

Weak