Comparing Transcendentalism And The Raven By Edgar Allan Poe

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Romanticism and Transcendentalism are literary and philosophical movements that emerged in the 19th century in the United States. Romanticism emphasized emotion and individualism, while Transcendentalism emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature. Dark Romanticism is a romanticism subgenre, and this subgenre includes negative emotions and individualistic sentiments. Because they come from the same era, they frequently require explanation, yet there are distinct differences between Transcendentalism and Romanticism.

Edgar Allan Poe was a Romantic writer and was considered the father of Romanticism. He is known for his dark/mysterious tales such as "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." In "The Raven," Poe writes, "Deep into that …show more content…

Till rising and gliding out. I wandered off by myself. In the mystical moist night air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars." (Whitman 1867). This quote illustrates the theme of nature and individualism, a common theme in Transcendentalist literature. Whitman is another writer from this era that has stood the test of time. He bridged the gap between Realism and Transcendentalism. Realism is a style of literature that focuses on the life of the everyday, ordinary, middle-class man or the "everyman." It is a reaction to the works done in the romantic …show more content…

Romanticism does not emphasize the power of God as the center of the universe. However, Transcendentalism believes in God, divination, and the truth of miracles. Romanticism exemplifies the importance of emotions and freedom over intellectual growth. They believe that everyone should follow what they are feeling. Transcendentalism draws inspiration from the beyond or external to the human perspective. Reasoning and external beliefs were not the main factors in their choices.

Finally, Romanticism and Transcendentalism are two distinct literary and philosophical movements that emerged in the 19th century. Romanticism emphasizes emotion and individualism, while Transcendentalism emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and nature. Edgar Allan Poe is considered a Romantic writer, and Walt Whitman is regarded as a Transcendentalist writer. These two movements surged rapidly in this era and amassed many followers, mainly writers.

Works Cited

outrageous Fortune. "Walt Whitman! - Outrageous Fortune." Outrageous Fortune, 18 Sept. 2014, go.marybaldwin.edu/outrageousfortune/2014/09/18/walt-Whitman.

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe | Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven

When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer by Walt Whitman.