Category: Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism is the movement in literature, philosophy, and religion developed in the first part of the 19^th century in the USA. This movement is associated with the development of some of the major American values, including individualism, creativity, and the focus on action (Roy 2). Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau can be regarded as the two most remarkable figures among transcendentalists as the former developed a sound theoretical basis for the movement while the latter followed the theoretical principles and applied them in his real life. These two thinkers contributed greatly to the development of the movement through the focus on certain basic values and principles as well as the promotion of particular aspects of the overall paradigm.

One of the most important principles of transcendentalism was the belief that old institutions were full of flaws. For instance, religion was among the primary targets of criticism as the institution of religion was too rigid and far from nature and real life. Emerson claimed that there could be no institutions or people between the individual and God (Goodman 149). Interestingly, he could provide sound arguments to support his point as he could have become a minister like his father, so he knew many facets of the religious life of American society. Thoreau followed Emerson’s point and stressed that it was unnatural to build any boundaries between the self and the universe. The thinkers stressed that people were created as a part of the natural world, which made any institutions unnecessary and even harmful.

Importantly, thinkers also criticized other types of institutions. They were devout abolitionists and supporters of the movement for women’s rights. Clearly, Emerson and Thoreau believed that all people were created equal, so there could be no difference when it came to their rights and opportunities (Goodman 206). It is noteworthy that one of Emerson’s primary postulates is the belief that the individual’s potential is limitless, so it was unnatural and vicious to put any restrictions or limits. Thoreau went even further as he emphasized the need to be fully integrated into the natural setting and live a simple life that meant no rules or regulations that were not consistent with the laws of nature. As for the terrain of literature, the two thinkers promoted the ideas of creativity and less focus on works of the past. Emerson claimed that the works of writers and philosophers could not be used as examples and frameworks as this was a form of the development of limits (Goodman 198).

Another central point within the movement is associated with the attitude towards nature. The two thinkers believed that nature was the major or rather the only source of inspiration for people’s understanding of their selves, as well as ways to live in society. At that, Emerson and Thoreau had quite different perspectives as the former had an idealistic view of nature, while the latter had a more practical approach (Sato 124). In simple terms, Emerson focused on the need to achieve “spiritual liberation” through close attention to the wonders of nature that were the manifestation of the divine (qtd. in Sato 128). Thoreau was not as concerned with allegories and the search for the supreme force. The thinker promoted the simplicity of human life or rather his ideal of living in the wild. His views on nature and his methods to support his claims made other people see him as radical and eccentric (Roy 2). Thoreau lived on his own far from the advances of technology and comfort for two years. The philosopher shared his experiences and argued that the period he lived out of the society was the time of complete harmony with nature and self.

Importantly, this is one of the points where Thoreau, Emerson’s ideas follower, went further and developed his own paradigm. Emerson praised nature as an ideal and the model to look at, but he did not promote seclusion (Sato 124). The thinker rather stressed the need to destroy all the artificial limits created by the human society. Emerson tried to bring more natural processes to the society while Thoreau tried to change the way the human society existed. Emerson concentrated on the inner world and people’s beliefs and perspectives whereas Thoreau saw other aspects as important. For him, understanding that all people were created equal and the human could not be regarded as the master of natural resources was not enough. Thoreau dreamed of the society where people could be as close to nature as possible.

It is necessary to consider the way the thinkers contributed to the American individualism. As has been mentioned above, Emerson emphasized that the individual’s potential was limitless, which also meant that people had to be self-reliant when it came to their opinions, beliefs, and actions (Goodman 198). Thoreau was more radical, and he tried to prove that every individual could live a secluded life and achieve the greatest level of self-reliance and enlightenment. At that, the two thinkers encouraged and inspired people to explore their selves as well as their creativity.

It is important to add that both thinkers stressed the need to act rather than merely contemplate. Emerson’s point concerning the limitless potential of the individual is the basis for this focus on actions. Thoreau put it in simple terms and stated that people had to try hard to understand what their ideal world could be. The next step had to be trying hard to make the ideal world merge with the real one (Roy 2). The thinker’s experiment can be regarded as one of the ways the philosopher used to promote his ideas. Clearly, he developed a particular image of an ideal world for himself and made his ideal the reality he lived in.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that Emerson and Thoreau were two significant figures within transcendentalism who developed a specific framework for the movement. Emerson and Thoreau (who was one of Emerson’s followers) had similar views on many issues, but they had quite different perspectives on some aspects. It is noteworthy that Thoreau was more radical and practical while Emerson paid more attention to the theoretical aspect. The two thinkers believed that the individual had the limitless potential that could be realized if more natural processes replaced the ways that existed in the American society of that time. It is possible to state that Emerson and Thoreau contributed greatly to the development of the American individualism and the need to act and create. In other words, the two thinkers managed to shape the society and contribute to the development of the unique nation.

Works Cited

Goodman, Russell B. American Philosophy Before Pragmatism. OUP Oxford, 2015.

Roy, Amitabh. “Transcendentalism and Thoreau: A Critical Reading of Walden.” Indian Journal of Applied Research, vol. 5, no. 9, 2015, pp. 1-2.

Sato, Maki. “The Implications of Aesthetic Appreciations of Nature: Comparison of Emerson and Thoreau.” Pacific and American Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015, pp. 123-142.

Walt Whitman is among the talented poets who, through his works, explored his identity and how it fits in the world. In his prominent and well-known poem Leaves of Grass, the author blurs the lines between a human, a narrator, and nature. In this sense, the reader can see how a man transcends mere existence and routine and concentrates on his surroundings. In this sense, Whitman applies imagery in order to show the readers the relationship between a human and nature.

The application of imagery is mainly olfactory, which implies the use of fragrances and scents. The speaker states, “Houses and rooms are full of perfumes, the shelves are crowded with perfumes, / I breathe the fragrance myself and know it and like it,” emphasizing the alluring smell of nature (Whitman 29). In another example, the author proceeds to admire the natural smells, such as “the sniff of green leaves and dry leaves, and of the shore” (Whitman 30).

Here, the author accentuates that he is alone and there is nobody around him, which allows him to unite with the surroundings, claiming that it is “the delight alone or in the rush of the streets, or along the fields and hill-sides” (Whitman 30). This corroborates the statement that Walt Whitman comprises the American transcendentalism movement since the poet illustrates unity and idealism through his work.

Hence, Whitman uses imagery to illustrate to the readers the connection between a human and the natural world. Olfactory imagery is mostly used, which indicates the utilization of smells and fragrances. The author emphasizes that he is alone and has no company, which enables him to blend in with his surroundings. This supports the claim that Walt Whitman is a key figure in the American transcendentalism movement since the poet exemplifies unity and idealism in his writing.

Work Cited

Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. The Walt Whitman Archive, n.d. Web.

Thesis Statement

While transcendentalism might be a product of the European philosophers and theorists, Whitman pioneers the inception of this idea in America through poetry, which Emerson then proliferates by popularizing American literature.

Introduction

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and religious movement that stresses the spiritual authority of nature and the individual mind. It began in New England in the early 1800s as a protest against the rationalism and materialism of the Age of Enlightenment (Arndt 182). The transcendentalists believed that humans could direct communication with God or Nature, which they called “The Oversoul.” They sought to achieve this communion through intuition, self-reliance, and organic growth. Transcendentalism had a profound influence on American literature and culture.

Emerson’s Call for American Literature

Emerson’s Role in Transcendentalism

Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the critical early transcendentalist figures, and his writings profoundly influenced future generations. He believed spiritual truth could be discerned through intuition instead of objective, rational thought. Other key figures in this movement include Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Margaret Fuller (Saunders 12). In terms of ideas, transcendentalists placed great emphasis on personal authenticity and self-reliance, as well as nature and the importance of living a “good” life.

Creating an Independent Literature from that of Europe

Emerson’s “The American Scholar” calls for American intellectuals to create their unique style of scholarship and literature independent from Europe. He argues that America has unique philosophical and religious traditions, which should be explored and celebrated (Emerson 94). To this end, he championed the philosophy of transcendentalism, which called for a new and distinctly American way of seeing and understanding the world. Emerson also stresses the importance of self-reliance and intuition in understanding the world (Emerson 99). For Emerson, American intellectuals should embrace the idea of “organic growth” and reject traditional Eurocentric ideas about knowledge. Thus, for Emerson, writing great literature involves tapping into the American spirit and forging a new literary tradition that reflects America’s unique identity. In contrast to Europe, America encourages individualism and creativity, which are essential to creating great American literature.

How Whitman’s Poetry in Fulfilling Emerson’s Call

Elaborating on Whitman’s Poetry

Walt Whitman promoted the transcendentalist movement, influenced by both Emerson and Thoreau. There are several ways in which Whitman’s poetry represents the fulfillment of Emerson’s call for American literature. First, both men sincerely appreciated America’s natural beauty and diversity. The beauty and diversity of America are evident in its literature, which features classical and contemporary works (Whitman 32). The classical works reflect the European influences on our country’s early development, while the contemporary works reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of Americans from all walks of life (Liu and Alley 41). Additionally, Emerson championed transcendentalism’s philosophy, which celebrates America’s unique qualities and people. Whitman echoed these sentiments in his poetry, celebrating America’s natural wonders and the multiculturalism and vitality of our people. Besides, his work helped invent a new American style and ideology rooted in the American people’s unique experiences and values.

Importance of Intuition and Self-Expression

Both men believed in the importance of intuition and self-expression in understanding the world. Emerson stressed the importance of intuition in understanding spiritual truths, while Whitman championed the idea of self-expression as a way to express the authentic self. Their writings reflect this belief in the power of individual expression to illuminate truths that are not accessible through traditional methods of thought (Finley 14). This is important because it encourages people to think for themselves and explore their ideas and experiences (Whitman 34). It also allows people to express themselves uniquely, which can be a powerful tool for understanding the world around them. Ultimately, Emerson and Whitman’s belief in intuition and self-expression provides a foundation for personal growth and understanding.

Creating New Traditions

Both men believed in creating new traditions that reflected America’s unique identity. Emerson argued that American intellectuals should create their unique style of scholarship and literature, while Whitman celebrated the beauty and diversity of America in his poetry. Their writings helped to forge a new American literary tradition reflective of America’s unique identity and values (Cate 107). This was an essential step in developing a sense of national identity, as it helped Americans see themselves as distinct people with unique traditions.

Individual Expression and Truth

Furthermore, Emerson and Whitman believed in the power of individual expression to illuminate truths that are not accessible through traditional methods of thought. This is important because it encourages people to think for themselves and explore their ideas and experiences. It also allows people to express themselves uniquely, which can be a powerful tool for understanding the world around them (Cate 106). In many ways, Whitman’s poetry represents the fulfillment of Emerson’s call for original American literature that reflects American identity. Thus, Whitman’s poetry is a prime example of the kind of literature Emerson hoped to emerge from America in the 19th century.

Differences between Emerson and Whitman’s Views

Emerson and Whitman were vital figures in the transcendentalist movement and shared many of the same ideals. They both believed in the spiritual authority of nature, the importance of intuition and self-reliance, and the need for Americans to forge their unique literary tradition. However, they also had some important differences in their views. Emerson was a more cerebral thinker, while Whitman was more emotive and visceral (Qi 280). Emerson tended to emphasize the idealistic side of transcendentalism, while Whitman celebrated the earthlier aspects of America. Emerson was also more interested in theory, while Whitman was more interested in creating poetry that spoke to the everyday lives of Americans (Qi 279). In many ways, Emerson and Whitman represent two different visions of transcendentalism, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, both were instrumental in shaping early American thought and culture, and their contributions helped to lay the foundations for American literature as we know it today.

Conclusion

Transcendentalism was a significant movement in American culture, as it encouraged people to think for themselves and forge their unique path in life. The ideas of self-reliance and intuition were essential to this movement, as they helped people to break away from traditional European values and create something new and genuinely American. Transcendentalists also celebrated nature and the diversity of America, which was an essential step in developing a uniquely American identity (Saunders 14). Emerson and Whitman played critical roles in shaping American culture and thought through their contributions to the transcendentalist movement. Their writings encouraged people to think for themselves and forge their unique path while celebrating nature, intuition, and the diversity of America. Thus, their ideas remain relevant today and have had a lasting impact on American culture and literature. Walt Whitman’s poetry is a prime example of the kind of literature that emerged from the transcendentalist movement, reflecting the ideals of individualism and creativity that define America. Generally, transcendentalism was essential in developing American thought and culture, and its impact can still be seen today.

Works Cited

Arndt, Martin. “Frederick C. Beiser: Hermann Cohen. an Intellectual Biography, Oxford: University Press 2018, 387 s.” Zeitschrift Für Religions- Und Geistesgeschichte, vol. 74, no. 2, 2022, pp. 182–183., Web.

Cate, Shannon. “Transcendentalists and Catholic Converts in Emerson’s America.” Reinventing Christianity. Routledge, 2019. 105-113.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “The American Scholar (1837).” Ralph Waldo Emerson, 2015, pp. 91–109., Web.

Finley, James S. “Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, and Transcendentalism.” American Literary Scholarship, vol. 20, no. 1, 2020, pp. 3-25.

Liu, Siyung, and Fatihiya Alley. “Learning from the Historical Culture of American People for the Current Society.” Linguistics and Culture Review, 2019, pp. 32–47., Web.

Qi, Wenjin. “Transcendentalism in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.” Journal of Language Teaching and Research, vol. 12, no. 2, 2021, pp. 275-280.

Saunders, Henry Scholey. An Introduction to Walt Whitman. Norwood Editions, 1978, pp. 12-14.

Whitman, Walt. The Works of Walt Whitman. Wordsworth Editions, 1995.

Introduction

Romanticism is one of the most famous periods of the development of art and the formation of new views about the world. Hence, of particular importance to him is the formation of Transcendental thoughts and beliefs, which also influenced and were reflected in the works of many artists of that time. As part of this work, Albert Bierstadt’s work titled “Rocky Mountain Landscape” will be studied, which reflects the belief of Transcendentalism that humanity, nature, and God are all interconnected.

Discussion

First of all, it is necessary to understand what the era of Romanticism is and what influence Transcendental thoughts and beliefs had on it. Thus, Romanticism flourished from the end of the eighteenth to the middle of the nineteenth century and had several unique characteristics. Further, it focused on ordinary people, their emotions, experiences, and difficulties that they faced. Moreover, Romanticism especially focuses on the importance of imagination and how people can interpret what is happening around them.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, with the advent of Transcendentalism, there were some changes in this era. Transcendentalism brought a worldview that implied individuals’ innate kindness and goodness and their independence from society (The First Amendment Encyclopedia). Research stated that “the Transcendentalists believed there is a divine spirit in nature and in every living soul. Through individualism and self-reliance, human beings could reunite with God” (The First Amendment Encyclopedia para. 3). These innovations contributed to the merging of these movements, which resulted in fascinating artworks.

One of the examples of works that were created under the influence of Romanticism and Transcendentalism is the work of Albert Bierstadt under the name “Rocky Mountain Landscape.” This artist represented the Hudson River Painters, who actively supported Transcendental thoughts and beliefs. In his painting, the artist, at first glance, depicts a landscape of a river with mountains. However, with a close examination, it can be noted that he “depicts the sun’s rays breaking through the clouds, suggesting a heavenly construct to nature” (Google Arts & Culture para. 5). A special contrast in the artist’s work was created using the image of the main rather dark scene, bright and bright sky, and water, which seemed to be enhanced and brought life to the work. This technique was a characteristic feature of Bierstadt, and he used it in almost all his works.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be said that Albert Bierstadt, in his artwork, followed the idea that humanity, nature, and God are all interconnected, which was one of the core ideas of Transcendentalism. The uniqueness of the artist’s excellent works was that he did not directly depict the concepts mentioned but used the image of nature and light to convey spirituality and people’s connection with higher forces. Viewers become direct participants in the landscape depicted by Bierstadt. They feel peace and unity with nature, which fills the soul with peace, almost as faith does. It is these features that contribute to the confirmation that the artist’s work follows one of the core values of Transcendentalism.

Works Cited

“Analysis of Romanticism.” Google Arts & Culture, Web.

Haydel, Judith. “Romantic and Transcendental Movements.” The First Amendment Encyclopedia, Web.