The transcendental period of American writing was a very important time for American literature. It produced many of the most famous authors in America’s history. Webster’s dictionary defines transcendentalism as a philosophy that asserts the primacy of the spiritual and transcendental over the material. What that means is that spirituality was more important than material possessions. Two very famous authors of this time were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Emerson was
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Henry David Thoreau wrote in his book Civil Disobedience: "Must the citizen ever for a moment‚ or in the least degree‚ resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience then? I think that we should be men first‚ and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law‚ so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right." (Henry David Thoreau Quotes) This is the quote which I had at the top
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popular during this mood. These characteristics are echoed in J.W. Ward’s analysis of the Jacksonian mood and Emerson’s famous essay‚ “Nature.” Conversely‚ Nathaniel Hawthorne’s (1804-1864) works reflect a negative view of the New England Transcendentalism movement and emphasizes human fallibility and susceptibility to sin and self-destruction when dealing with “nature” and “will.” Ward analyzes the 18th Century American Romanticism through Andrew Jackson (1767-1837) and the Jacksonian mood.
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Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist‚ lecturer‚ poet‚ and philosopher born on May 25‚ 1803 in Boston‚ Massachusetts. He was a thinker of bold originality that moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries. In doing so he lead the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. Ralph Waldo Emerson was influenced by his upbringing‚ experiences‚ philosophers‚ members of the Transcendentalist group‚ and the world around him. During Ralph
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Perhaps one of the most meaningful maxims Emerson wrote would have to be "Insist on yourself‚ never imitate." This statement captures the total essence of transcendentalism; deny the will and aspirations of others‚ and follow your own heart.<br><br>The movie Dead Poets Society begins by introducing the viewers to Todd Anderson‚ a very subdued and quiet young man. Todd has the average inferiority complex. He is a very bright young man with exceptional abilities. Todd is unwilling to speak his mind
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American history‚ the term "sacred" in this maxim is used to refer to one’s own mind instead of the holiness and greatness of God. Holding true to one’s own thoughts and morals is sacred‚ embracing the self-reliancy and individualism aspects of Transcendentalism. The idea that nothing is greater than the thoughts and honesty of
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Anti-Transcendentalist Literature In Rappaccini’s Daughter‚ the idea of obsession is very prominent. Obsession is well pronounced in society as well. But it is also unhealthy to be completely fixated on an object or another person. Transcendentalists agree that obsession is something that should be avoided‚ and stress the ideal of self-reliance. Nathaniel Hawthorne expresses his anti-transcendentalist philosophies by portraying nature as evil‚ creating characters that are not self-reliant‚ and
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Early American literature is full of the spirit of individualism. This spirit can best be described by Emerson when he says‚ "Good men must not obey the laws too well". This view has long been an inspiration for future generations of Americans to start some of the greatest reformations of our history. Among the literary units that show support for Emerson’s idea‚ there are three that are more powerful at conveying this spirit. The Revolutionaries‚ the Transcendentalists‚ and the
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INDIAN THOUGHT IN EMERSON THOREAU AND WHITMAN V. K. CHARI VEDANTA philosophy was one of several thought currents from abroad that reached New England in the early decades of the 19th century and contributed to the thinking of Emerson and Thoreau. Emerson’s interest in the sacred writings of the East probably began: .ring his Harvard days and continued throughout his life. He knew Laws of Manu‚ Vishnupurana‚ the Bhagvad- Gita‚ and Katha Upanishad: There are
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Persuasive Essay : Many people would be happy and satisfied if they were in a relationship with money and fame. Doesn’t that seem like the perfect life? Everyone begins to think that in life that’s all that matters‚ and that’s all they need‚ nothing could be better. Society dictates our morals‚ feelings‚ the way we do things and try’s to tell us certain things we do are wrong and we need to do them the way they feel necessary. Our generations to come will have no clue what the meaning of a true‚
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