The Enduring Impact of Transcendentalism on American Literature

When one thinks of Transcendentalism, the image of a solitary cabin in the woods often comes to mind. This literary and philosophical movement, which emerged in the 1830s, may have had a short period of prominence, but its influence on American literature continues to inspire writers today, making it a transformative era in literary history.

While the idea of a secluded cabin may not immediately bring to mind Transcendentalism, the movement's emphasis on solitude, simplicity, and spiritual enlightenment can easily be linked to such a setting.

What thoughts come to mind when you see the image above? Perhaps ideas of introspection, a spiritual retreat, or a break from the pressures of modern society. These concepts are at the heart of Transcendentalism.

The Definition of Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism is a comprehensive approach to philosophy, art, literature, spirituality, and a way of life. In 1836, a group of writers and intellectuals formed the "Transcendental Club" to explore new perspectives on existence and personal fulfillment. At its core, Transcendentalism values intuition and individualistic understanding, rejecting conformity to societal norms. Transcendentalist thinkers believe in the inherent goodness of humanity and the power of individuals to rise above societal chaos and find a higher purpose through personal intellect.

In the Transcendentalist view, the human spirit holds great potential. Organized religion is not necessary; one can experience a connection with the divine through contemplation of nature and a return to simplicity in everyday life.

Self-reliance is another crucial aspect of Transcendentalism. Just as individuals can connect with the divine without relying on a traditional church, they must also reject conformity and instead trust their own instincts and intuition.

Transcendentalism cannot be easily defined, and even its followers have varying attitudes and beliefs. As a movement that champions individuality, self-reliance, and inner strength and knowledge, it resists becoming a static definition or institution. There are no formal institutions or prescribed rituals associated with Transcendentalism.

The Origins of Transcendentalism

In September 1836, a group of influential ministers, reformers, and writers gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to organize a symposium on the state of contemporary American thought. Among them was Ralph Waldo Emerson, who would become the leader of the Transcendentalist movement. The regular meetings that followed (dubbed "The Transcendentalist Club") attracted more members each time.

The club was born out of a dissatisfaction with the intellectual stagnation at Harvard and Cambridge, as its members shared a discontent with the prevalent religion, literature, and politics of the time. These gatherings provided a platform to discuss radical ideas concerning social and political issues, including women's suffrage, abolitionism, and the concept of a utopian society.

The last meeting of the Transcendentalist Club took place in 1840. Shortly after, the ideals of the movement were continued through The Dial, a magazine featuring essays and reviews on religion, philosophy, and literature, which ran until 1844.

Characteristics of Transcendentalist Literature

While Transcendentalism is best known for its non-fiction works, it encompasses all genres, including poetry, short fiction, and novels. Some key features of Transcendentalist literature are:

• The Psychology of Inner Experience: Much of Transcendentalist literature focuses on individuals, characters, or speakers who turn inward to explore their inner selves. Through solitude, immersion in nature, and contemplation, they strive to understand their psyche.
• Exaltation of the Individual Spirit: Transcendentalist writers believe in the innate goodness and purity of the individual soul.

The legacy of Transcendentalism continues to influence American literature and thought today, serving as a reminder to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Transcendentalism: Embracing Independence and Self-Reliance

The Transcendentalism movement, sparked by the rejection of organized religion and societal norms, encourages the celebration of individuality and the power of self-reliance and inner strength. It reminds us to embrace our true selves and trust our own instincts, making it a timeless and influential era in American literature.

The Transcendentalist movement, emerging in the 1830s before the American Civil War, is characterized by its focus on God, spirituality, and self-actualization. However, the most critical element of Transcendentalist literature is the emphasis on independence and self-reliance. It arose as a response to the dissatisfaction with societal structures, promoting individual reliance over dependence on others. This concept is prevalent in the works of well-known Transcendentalist writers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.

Independence and Self-Reliance: Core Themes in Transcendentalist Texts

The Transcendentalist texts often feature a character or speaker who goes against societal norms and follows their own path. This reflects the movement's focus on individualism and self-reliance. The writings encourage readers to trust their own instincts and not conform to societal expectations. In essence, the pursuit of self-reliance is seen as the path to inner peace.

Notable Transcendentalist Authors and Their Works

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller are some of the most prominent figures associated with the Transcendentalist movement. In 1841, Emerson published his famous essay "Self-Reliance," which emphasizes individual authority and encourages readers to look within themselves for true goodness, rather than external influences like religion or politics. Similarly, Thoreau's "Walden," published in 1854, is a reflection of his two-year experiment of living simply in nature. It promotes self-reliance and introspection through observing and contemplating the natural world. Fuller, though not as well-known as Emerson and Thoreau, also played a significant role in the Transcendentalist movement with her 1843 book "Summer on the Lakes," which reflects her journey around the Great Lakes and her observations on social issues.

The Influence of Transcendentalism on American Literature

The Transcendentalist movement had a significant impact on American literature, challenging individuals to view themselves, their country, and the world with a new perspective. This introspective and individualistic approach influenced writers of the time, such as Walt Whitman, who wrote poems like "Song of Myself" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom," celebrating the self and its connection to the universe. Even in modern times, the Transcendentalist ideology continues to inspire authors, as seen in Jon Krakauer's 1996 book "Into the Wild," which tells the true story of a man who gave up his comfortable life to seek self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness.

Transcendentalism: Literature's Reflection of Self-Reliance, Nonconformity, and Immersion in Nature

The concepts of self-reliance, nonconformity, and connection with nature have long been valued in American literature. One of the key figures in embodying these beliefs is Chris McCandless, who referenced Transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau in his journal entries.

Although the Transcendentalist movement took place in the mid-nineteenth century, its influence can still be observed in modern literature. Cheryl Strayed's 2012 bestseller, Wild, is a testament to the enduring impact of Transcendentalist ideas. After losing her mother, Strayed finds solace and self-discovery in nature, following her intuition.

However, Transcendentalism was met with opposition from the Anti-Transcendentalist movement, also known as American Gothic or Dark Romanticism. Prominent writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville explored the darker aspects of human nature, delving into themes of betrayal and greed. Their works, often infused with elements of horror and fantasy, continue to captivate readers today.

Exploring the Essence of Transcendentalism

• Transcendentalism emerged as a literary and philosophical movement in the mid-nineteenth century.
• Its core principles include intuition, the individual's relationship with nature and the divine, self-reliance, and nonconformity.
• Famous Transcendentalist writers include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.
• Some of the essential Transcendentalist works include Emerson's "Self-Reliance" and Thoreau's Walden.
• The movement's influence can be seen in various genres and writers in American literature, such as Walt Whitman and Jon Krakauer.

Delving Deeper Into Transcendentalism

What are the main beliefs of Transcendentalism? The four main beliefs are that individuals possess inherent goodness, can experience the divine, should trust their intuition, and connect with nature for self-discovery.

What themes does Transcendentalism encompass in American literature? Transcendentalism in American literature includes spirituality, self-reliance, and nonconformity.

What was one of the central ideas of Transcendentalism? A central idea was that individuals did not need organized religion or societal structures to find the divine; they could rely on themselves.

What are the key principles of Transcendentalism? The key principles include self-reliance, nonconformity, following one's intuition, and immersing oneself in nature.

Who was the prominent leader of Transcendentalism in the mid-nineteenth century? Ralph Waldo Emerson was the driving force behind the Transcendentalist movement in the mid-nineteenth century.