Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman both expressed their similarities and differences of transcendental views through nature and individualism.
Both Emerson and Whitman use nature to express the idea that society should be open-minded to the beauty of nature that surrounds them.
As Emerson explains the sublimity of nature, he points out that “the sun illuminates only the eye of the man” (220).
Transcendentalists are deeply connected with nature as both Emerson and Whitman accepted it as the divinity of man. Emerson criticizes adults for not appreciating what nature has to offer, unlike children, …show more content…
He starts to arise the idea of civic virtue, that harmony can be achieved by working together and improving the masses. Emerson mainly focuses on the individuality of man because since each man is divine, his own insight and intuitions must be right and exceed any other thought or action performed by another person. He does not agree with any sign of societal influence and rejects anyone who doubts themselves.
Similarly, both authors express individuality as a concept of life.
Emerson portrays his full form free from the corruption of society and transforms, “I became a transparent eyeball” (221).
Emerson wants everyone to set themselves free from the limitations of society and instead follow the nature that is everlasting. In the world, it lacks unity because man is not united with himself. Until he can process things in his own interpretations, he will always rely on others for answers and thoughts. However in life, in order to succeed at anything or truly live, the person needs to be self-reliant. Whitman correspondingly agrees with Emerson’s view and believes that when the person can finally look towards the divinity in nature, he can improve himself.
Ultimately, the perspectives of nature and individualism by Emerson and Whitman, all contributed to the significance of empowering the divinity of