Transcendental Influences

Kailee Bailey, Ms. Jones, AP Literature and Composition 25 April 2024 Author Study: Ralph Waldo Emerson The transcendental era in the 1800s was an influential period for literature. At this time, there were many works of literature produced by a large number of authors. Additionally, the transcendental period was generally a time in which authors worked on themes of nonconformity, relationships with nature and divine beings, and self-reliance. These themes were significant to this time as there was much change in government policies and the ending of the Civil War. Furthermore, Ralph Waldo Emerson was considered to have started the movement and to have had the greatest influence on transcendental works. However, many influences were impacting
A majority of Emerson’s works were based on his religious and political views, such as “The Boston Hymn”. To be more specific, some of Emerson’s political views consisted of being an abolitionist. Emerson was a strong believer in abolishing slavery as he heavily believed in individualism. Furthermore, he believed in an individual’s rights and protecting the rights of those individuals. He believed in the growth and development of an individual through work, freedom, peace, knowledge, religion, and individualism. From these political beliefs, he heavily believed in an “ideal government” that was influenced by peace, love, and wisdom (Emersonian Virtues of the Anthropocene 985). He heavily believed in “the goodness of truth”, and that the government should be more truthful and less blinded by evil that kept people in chains (Can Genius Be Taught? 280). The. Although Emerson was often “characterized as apolitical”, he was very involved in politics as he believed that “self-reliance is essential to realizing democracy’s promise: for citizens to hold both themselves and their leaders accountable” (Turner
This particular hymn was created in celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, the freeing of slaves, and the end of the Civil War. Emerson strongly believed in abolishing slavery, and the use of this poem brought together his political and religious beliefs. In “The Boston Hymn”, God speaks to the people, particularly about the Emancipation Proclamation. Emerson describes God as gifting the Emancipation Proclamation as “[His] angel” and “his name is Freedom”, and that God broke the “bonds and masterships” and “unbind[s] the captive” (“The Boston Hymn” Emerson). God is explicitly speaking about the freedom He can provide through the Emancipation Proclamation, and how this work can be fruitful for all people, slaves, or owners. Additionally, he does not believe that one person should have power over another, rather he calls “the people together” (“The Boston Hymn” by Emerson). Emerson believed that the Emancipation Proclamation was an effective way to bring people together and to destroy the hate people held against each other. This was a common theme in Emerson’s work as he is frustrated by people making themselves out to be better or bigger than God through their superior