It was fun arranging various quotes from all four poets into a kind of argument. Especially one that, more or less, supported the (somewhat skewed) views of Transcendentalism and Anti-Transcendentalism we are presenting as the cornerstone of the respective two-headed poet-monsters.

--Geoff

Some will say that American Transcendentalism is not actually diametrically opposed to the writings and thoughts of Melville and Hawthorne, that all of them share a fundamental concern for the maintenance of the individual's status amongst the homogenizing influence of society. Then again, I'm pretty sure that you could start any high school essay about any book ever by Mad-Libbing

"Among the themes in ____________(author's name)'s __________________ (Book by aforementioned author), that of the individual's place in society must be considered one of the top three or so"

and get by just fine. So, barring that, I'm happy to take Newton's explanation, tuck it inside my conscience, and enjoy another night of beating on sewer rats with Frederic Chopin.

- Count Dolby von Luckner