Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, the value of individual intuition, and the pursuit of spiritual experience over material reality. It connects to the broader Romantic movement by championing personal expression and a deep connection with the natural world, while also responding to earlier cultural movements like Puritan literature and the American Enlightenment, which focused on reason and religious orthodoxy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism originated in New England in the 1830s and was influenced by Romanticism and Eastern philosophies.
2. Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson, who emphasized self-reliance and individuality, and Henry David Thoreau, known for his work 'Walden,' which reflects on simple living in natural surroundings.
3. Transcendentalists believed that society often corrupts individuals and that true insight comes from self-reflection and connection with nature.
4. The movement inspired various social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights, as it emphasized moral duty and personal responsibility.
5. Transcendentalism laid the groundwork for later American literary movements, promoting ideas of self-expression that influenced modern literature.

Review Questions

• How did Transcendentalism challenge the beliefs found in Puritan literature?
  • Transcendentalism challenged Puritan literature's emphasis on sin, guilt, and strict adherence to religious doctrine by promoting the idea that individuals are inherently good. While Puritan writers focused on humanity's flaws and a predetermined moral order, Transcendentalists believed in personal intuition and direct experiences with the divine through nature. This shift highlighted a more optimistic view of human nature compared to the often bleak perspective found in Puritan texts.
• Evaluate how the ideas of Transcendentalism are reflected in the works of major Romantic poets.
  • Transcendentalism shares common ground with Romantic poets by valuing emotion, nature, and individuality. For instance, poets like Walt Whitman celebrated the individual spirit and the beauty of nature in their works. This alignment is evident in Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass,' where he emphasizes personal freedom and a deep connection to the natural world, resonating with key Transcendentalist principles of self-reliance and spiritual exploration.
• Synthesize the influence of Transcendentalist thought on both American literature and social reform movements during its time.
  • Transcendentalist thought significantly influenced both American literature and social reform movements by promoting ideals of individuality, moral duty, and a deep connection to nature. Writers like Emerson and Thoreau laid the groundwork for future American literature by encouraging authentic self-expression and exploration of personal truth. Simultaneously, these ideas fueled social reform movements such as abolitionism and women's rights by inspiring individuals to act against injustice based on their moral convictions. This synthesis showcases how Transcendentalism not only shaped literary landscapes but also contributed to significant societal changes.

Related terms

Individualism: The belief in the importance of individual rights and personal independence, which is central to Transcendentalist thought.

Nature: A central theme in Transcendentalism, where nature is seen as a reflection of the divine and a source of spiritual truth.

Civil Disobedience: A concept promoted by Transcendentalist thinkers like Henry David Thoreau, advocating for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws.