Characteristics+of+the+Literary+Time+Period

Page Authors: Aleia H.
"One scholar defines transcendentalism as, 'a warm and intuitional religious, aesthetic, philosophical and ethical movement'" (Hankins 25). Transcendentalism was a movement to reject the normal mind set of most Americans during the 1840’s. It began as a simple change in religious beliefs and eventually changed society as whole. This movement evolved into a moral and ethical code to follow in order to stand up for what is right. As the Transcendentalist time period evolved, writers came forth to spread the philosophy, including Emerson, who incorporates these transcendent and distinctive moral themes in his works; the most influential of which is “Nature” (Tiffany xii-xiii).

Transcendentalism began as a movement of ideals that altered society’s traditional beliefs on religion and spirituality. The movement initially began in New England and progressively spread throughout America during the mid 19th century. The Transcendentalist group started when a group of about ten Unitarian ministers, including Emerson, Thoreau and Ripley, met frequently over a four year period discussing topics and beliefs, despite not always agreeing on the subject matter. These Unitarians assigned themselves the name of transcendentalists because their beliefs focused on concepts beyond material objects. The group focused on, “ living rightly; it was this emphasis that rankled Transcendentalists" (Hankins 25). The Transcendentalism time period occurred shortly after the Great Awakening in America, which revitalized interest in traditional religion and beliefs; the movement evolved as a rejection of these beliefs (Phillips 34).

Such a rejection of traditional beliefs was very controversial during the 1850’s simply because these common beliefs had never been publically challenged. Instead of believing in an all powerful God, Transcendentalists believed that the universe was all one soul, including all beings, godly and mortal ([|Benson] 1571). In addition, these beings collectively worked to find truth. This spiritual truth was believed to be found within nature and within one’s self. "Humans could experience divinity directly through nature, a spiritual practice in which no mediation, such as through the churches, was needed" (Tiffany xiii). The power of the individual was emphasized as the moral compass, not any sort of scripture or the Bible. Churches were not considered necessary for praise or for connection to higher powers. One could live rightly simply by looking deep within to discover the truth. Societies that rejected individual expression and promoted conformity were rejected by Transcendentalists (Tiffany xiii).

Transcendentalism was also a movement of social reform. Writers during this period focused on the social injustices that were occurring and attempted to right these wrongs via speeches, novels, essays etc. “ They spoke up on social issues such as slavery, women's rights, and education” (Tiffany xiii). Transcendentalists very much supported equality for all people and were active in the women’s rights movement and the abolitionist movement. Writers such as Thoreau wrote essays promoting progressive education, in which education was based on the mental development of the child in all aspects, while still respecting his individuality (Tiffany xiii). Transcendentalists were so focused on social reform that they even created their own safe haven commune called Brook Farm. Brook Farm was a small community of Transcendentalists living together. They hoped to provide the ideal environment for spiritual growth without the social injustices and imperfections that were occurring in American society ([|Benson] 1572).

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