The Transcendentalism Period

The Transcendentalism Period took off in the early to mid-nineteenth century. It was mainly a philosophical era and The Transcendentalism Movement that followed was of the same nature. After that, it evolved into the most dominant form of literary expression. Followers of Transcendentalism thought that the knowledge that could be gained through intuition and contemplation of the internal spirit was more valuable than the knowledge that could be gained from explanation of the senses.

Definition

The belief that truths about life and death can be reached by going outside the world of the sense.

Major Beliefs

·  Freedom from organized religion.

·  Feelings were a priority over reason.

·  Rise of new cities

·  Stronger relationship between man and nature.

·  The end of “social classes”

Transcendental Characteristics:

Nature

 Nature was innocence and an escape from the evils of society

Individualism

 Rejection of standard societal beliefs

 Fulfillment comes from knowing one’s self, not wealth, gender or education

Moral Enthusiasm

 Anti-Slavery

 Pro-Women’s Rights

 Literary Focus

Authors

 Emily Dickinson

 Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Henry David Thoreau

 Edgar Allen Poe