Transcendentalism Essay

Throughout the late 1800s, New England was swept with advanced ideals which developed into an era known as Transcendentalism. This movement was based on the belief that human nature is inherently good, but inevitably becomes corrupted by society. Thus, nature, individualism, and self-governorship became the main principles of Transcendentalism. Similar to previous movements, literature was the main driving force in spreading these ideals. Authors such as Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau all produced influential works that significantly encouraged the Transcendentalism Era.

During this movement, Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson both wrote literature that expanded upon the importance of nature. Similar to

To illustrate, in one of Emerson’s writings, he states, “To speak truly few adult persons can see nature…” (3) This expert reinforces the concept that although society has corrupted the adult population, children still have the gift of innocence. Thus, they can see “nature” because they have not been blinded by materialistic values. Similar to Emerson’s ideals, in his poem, “Song of Myself”, Whitman states, “A child said what is grass? Fetching it to me with full hands; How can I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he” (38-39). Whitman demonstrates how children approach the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. However, as one ages, this approach diminishes and society tarnishes their perspective. Whitman and Emerson both concluded the solution to this problem could be found in nature and solitude. For instance, The Complete Works of

Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s literary works embraced these beliefs in order to challenge society and organized groups. For example, in Emerson’s “Self Reliance” he states, “Man is his own star…” (1) Thus, Emerson infers that man is not just a member of society, but an individual. Furthermore, this idea of individualism coincides with self-governorships. To illustrate, since everyone is an individual it is impossible for them to conform to a government, especially, an unjust one. For instance, in “Civil Disobedience,” Henry David Thoreau states, “It is a man’s duty, as a matter of course to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong…” (14) This excerpt highlights that if one fully submits to a government, they may fail to question the morality of their authority. In particular, “Civil Disobedience” states, “Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine” (Thoreau 14). Throughout this essay, Throeua regularly expresses citizens’ duty to advocate for themselves. Therefore, along with Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau encourages individualism and self-governorship to challenge the oppression that stems from organized