Characteristics of Transcendentalism found in

North of the Sun Outline for Essay Writing

English 11 Mr. Durrett
INSTRUCTIONS: The following introductory paragraphs are examples of what might be written to introduce
the topic of this essay. The first is a more academic paragraph with a funnel-like shape. The second is more
based on simple observations that lead to the thesis statement. The third is a very simplistic yet effective
introduction.
The first main point has already been outlined. This is an example to show the relationship between the
components of the paragraph. In your essay, you may borrow ideas including the main point, but do not copy
my outline word for word.
Your job is to complete the rest of the outline and ultimately write a clean, clear, concise five paragraph essay.
You may choose to forgo filling out the outline below for prewriting, but I would highly suggest it if you have
any question about your ability to produce a good academic paragraph.
I. Introduction / Thesis 1: It is difficult to comprehend where one fits in the Universe. On the one hand, there
are human beings that believe that they are in command of the Universe and through their intellect, they will
one day understand and control every aspect of it. It is just a matter of time. On the other hand, there are
human beings that believe that human beings are a mere speck in the scope of things and that their impact on
the Universe is infinitesimal considering the scope of things. During the 1800s in New England, there was a
small group of intellectuals that call themselves Transcendentalists. These philosophers and artists thought long
and hard about mans existence in the Universe and they arrived at the conclusion that man is both a significant
entity in the Universe and also a tiny speck. Transcendentalism is a fairly difficult school of thought to pin
down, but there are specific tenets that are clearly definable. Although these ideas were inspired during the
nineteenth century, their impact on American culture still exists in the way people think today. This impact can
be seen clearly in the documentary film of two young men who start with a cool idea to live on a beach that
they discovered above the Arctic Circle for a few months. The ideas purported by the American
Transcendentalists continue to exist in the modern world and are prevalent in the movie North of the Sun made
by amateur filmmakers Inge Wegge and Jrn Ranum.

I. Introduction / Thesis 2: Surfing in the waters off of a beach north of the Arctic Circle does not sound like an
enjoyable experience. Living for months in a tiny, self-made cabin constructed from the trash found on that
beach with one other person actually sounds ridiculous. Completely disconnecting from nearly all aspects of
modern society for a significant period of time sounds next to impossible. However, filmmakers Inge Wegge
and Jrn Ranum did all of these things when they made the documentary titled North of the Sun. In doing so,
they also, probably unintentionally, lived this part of their lives by many of the tenets of American
Transcendentalism. Although made popular in America in the 1800s, the characteristics of American
Transcendentalism can still be identified in the modern world and are prevalent in the movie North of the Sun
made by amateur filmmakers Inge Wegge and Jrn Ranum.
I. Introduction / Thesis 3: Transcendental ideas still exist in the world today. Three of those ideas are
particularly prevalent in a documentary movie made by two Norwegian young men. In this movie, they live in
a self-made hut on a beach north of the Arctic Circle and surf the frigid waters. While they actually thrive in
this place, they unknowingly demonstrate many of the tenets of American Transcendentalism. Although made

popular in America in the 1800s, the characteristics of American Transcendentalism can still be identified in the
modern world and are prevalent in the movie North of the Sun made by amateur filmmakers Inge Wegge and
Jrn Ranum.
II. Main Point 1: The two young men in the film demonstrated the Transcendental idea that self-reliance and
individualism must outweigh external authority and blind conformity to custom and tradition.
A. Supporting Argument: Wegge and Ranum cut themselves off from society in every way so that they
were devoid of any outside influence.
1. Supporting Detail: In the movie, they had no plan and no help building their shelter which
contained amenities like a wood burning stove and a skylight above ones bed. They also created
an unorthodox circular door they braved traditionally avoidable surfing conditions.
a. Analysis: In all of these actions, they followed their individual inspirations without
consideration of any outside influence.
III. Main Point 2: Their movie also depicted a Transcendental life of simplicity that is free of meaningless
things, needless complication, and purposeless distractions.
A. Supporting Argument:
1. Supporting Detail:
a. Analysis:
IV. Main Point 3:
A. Supporting Argument:
1. Supporting Detail:
a. Analysis:

Although Wegge and Ranum said their adventure was merely them acting on a cool idea, one can witness the
physical facts of the natural world opening the doorway into to their spiritual or ideal world.