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Literary movements have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of literature throughout history. While some movements fade into obscurity, others leave an indelible mark, influencing generations of writers. Two such movements that significantly impacted American literature in the late 18th century to the early 19th century are Transcendentalism and Romanticism. This essay delves into the key characteristics of these movements, their influential figures, and their lasting impact on the literary landscape.
Transcendentalism emerged as a literary movement in the first half of the 19th century, deeply rooted in the influence of Romanticism.
Transcendentalists, including luminaries such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Henry David Thoreau, were driven by a profound focus on self-examination, the celebration of individualism, and a deep exploration of the beauty of nature and humankind.
The core tenet of Transcendentalism was the belief that true knowledge is attained through an awareness of beauty and truth, coupled with a communion with nature leading to a connection with the "Over-Soul," a term introduced by Emerson as a substitute for God.
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This transformative experience cleansed individuals of materialistic pursuits, instilling a sense of self-reliance and purity.
Transcendentalists, often considered a generation of well-educated individuals predating the American Civil War, consciously crafted literature, essays, novels, and philosophy that distinguished itself from European conventions. Emerson's essay "Nature" serves as a quintessential expression of Transcendentalist ideals, emphasizing the spiritual and cleansing aspects of nature.
In the essay, Emerson muses on the perpetual youth found in the woods and the return to reason and faith that nature facilitates.
His famous declaration, "I become a transparent eyeball: I am nothing; I see all," encapsulates the transcendentalist belief that a union with nature allows one to become part of the Universal Being, shedding egotism and gaining insight.
Emerson further explores Transcendentalist ideals in "Self-Reliance," underscoring the importance of individualism. He critiques societal conformity, asserting that true fulfillment comes from self-reliance and non-conformity. "There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide," Emerson declares, emphasizing the celebration of the individual to achieve unity with the universe.
Henry David Thoreau, residing in the same intellectual sphere as Emerson, made significant contributions to Transcendentalism through his work "Walden." Thoreau's deliberate choice to live in seclusion in the woods was driven by a desire to live deliberately, confronting the essential facts of life and avoiding a life of quiet desperation. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life," Thoreau articulates, emphasizing the importance of solitude for genuine self-discovery.
Thoreau's ideas further expanded the core tenets of Transcendentalism, introducing concepts of individualism, knowledge of nature, and the rejection of material possessions as a means to a more fulfilling life. Transcendentalism, as exemplified by Emerson and Thoreau, became a defining movement of the 19th century, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the universe.
Romanticism, a broader artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, shares thematic elements with Transcendentalism. Romanticism emphasizes strong emotion, imagination, freedom from classical correctness, and a rebellion against social conventions. It represents a rejection of the rationalism and materialism of the Enlightenment, favoring individualism, emotion, and the transcendental.
Prominent figures of Romanticism, including Jean Jacques Rousseau, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Johann Gottfried von Herder, and Justus Moser, significantly contributed to the movement's ideals. Rousseau, in particular, championed the freedom of the human spirit, advocating for a return to nature and the authenticity of individual experience. His famous phrase, "I felt before I thought," encapsulates the Romantic emphasis on emotion and personal connection.
Goethe, Herder, and Moser collaborated on "Von deutscher Art und Kunst," celebrating the romantic spirit manifested in German folk songs, Gothic architecture, and the plays of William Shakespeare. Goethe's "Sorrows of Young Werther" stands as a poignant document of Romanticism, praising sentiment to the extent of justifying suicide as a result of love.
The enduring legacy of Transcendentalism and Romanticism is evident in their profound impact on American literature. These movements paved the way for future generations of writers to explore new ideas, challenge societal norms, and embrace a more subjective and expressive approach to literature.
Transcendentalism's emphasis on self-discovery, unity with nature, and celebration of individualism has left an indelible mark on American thought and literature. The movement encouraged individuals to look inward, fostering a deeper understanding of the self and its connection to the universe.
Romanticism, with its focus on emotion, imagination, and rebellion, laid the groundwork for a more subjective and expressive approach to literature. The Romantic ideals of celebrating the individual, exploring human passions, and valuing the imaginative spirit profoundly influenced the trajectory of literature in Western civilization.
In conclusion, Transcendentalism and Romanticism emerged as transformative literary movements that significantly shaped the American literary landscape. Their shared emphasis on individualism, nature, and the transcendental has influenced countless writers, encouraging a more profound exploration of the human experience. As we continue to reflect on these movements, their enduring influence reminds us of the power of literature to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
The Evolution of Literary Movements: Transcendentalism and Romanticism. (2016, Dec 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/transcendentalism-and-romanticism-2-essay
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