Taylor and Morgan

During a conversation, Taylor and Morgan discuss their respective documents from the mid-19th century. Taylor's document, "Walden," emphasizes the connection between nature and human experience, highlighting the importance of living deliberately and finding answers to life's questions through nature. Meanwhile, Morgan's document emphasizes the influence of religious beliefs on society during this time, suggesting that people may have sought moral guidance amidst the societal changes. Both documents emphasize the transformative power of nature and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Hey Taylor and Morgan, would you like to speak on your document? Thank you Gabriella. My document was Donald Grant Mitchell's reveries of a bachelor in 1850. In the context of America during this time, the source appears to represent that of an escape and a source of hope for the readers. I say this because America was drastically changing during this time. Social and cultural tensions between the northern and southern states were beginning to take shape, headlined by slavery of course, with civil war right around the corner. Along with this, industrialization and westward expansion were in full swing at this time, having begun to be seen in the recently covered units. Mitchell speaks on mortality within the source and opening up on the idea of physical changes that take place and come along with it. And with this, it kind of aligns with a common theme in the document where Mitchell connects the topic to a more enlightening side, emphasizing the idea of maintaining a pure heart and genuine love for the nature of consciousness and life itself, and that of what's around you, as seen, quote, Will dreams satisfy? We try as they can. Are we not, after all, poor, grovelling mortals tied to earth and to each other? Are there not sympathies and hopes and affections which can only find their issue in blessing and fellow absorption? End quote. Taylor, did your document reflect something similar? Yes, my document actually did. In Henry David Walden, 1854, Henry David talks about nature, like nature is one of us humans. This document shows his experience living in nature and human experience. Quote, Every man is tasked to make his life, even in its details, worthy of the contemplation of his most elevated and critical hour. End quote. Henry shows how nature can somewhat make someone's life more essential through nature. Morgan, do you have anything else to add to this? Yes. As with previous periods of growth throughout the birth of the United States, religious beliefs were a headline in American culture during this time, influencing values, social norms, and reforms during this time. This can be seen when it's noted, quote, The warmth that lies in it is not only generous, but religious, genile, devotional, tender, self-sacrificing, and looking heavenward. End quote. Highlighting the spiritual and emotional aspects that were common drivers of the time. I feel this aligns with the state of society accordingly. I just think if I was a part of this culture at this time, I would likely be overwhelmed with the changes and as a result would likely look for moral guidance. Taylor, what else stood out to you in your source? Yeah, so kind of like relating it to religion, like Morgan was talking about, Henry's religion was actually like the harmony with nature. Quote, I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately to face only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what I had to teach and not. When I came to die, discover that I had not lived. End quote. Henry really showed just how much just being in nature can answer some of your problems in life and discover new things about yourself.