Transcendentalism in American Literature: Emerson and Thoreau
Keywords:
Transcendentalism, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, American literature, nature, self-reliance, intuition, individualism, 19th century, American philosophyAbstract
Transcendentalism emerged in the 19th century as a philosophical and literary movement in America, advocating for the inherent goodness of individuals and the importance of self-reliance, intuition, and communion with nature. Central figures of the movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, profoundly influenced American literature and cultural identity. This article explores the core principles of Transcendentalism as articulated by Emerson and Thoreau, analyzing their writings to uncover the movement’s impact on American thought. Through detailed examination of key works such as Emerson's Nature and Thoreau's Walden, this study provides insights into how these authors challenged societal norms and advocated for a deeper spiritual connection with the natural world. The article also contextualizes Transcendentalism within the sociopolitical climate of 19thcentury America and examines its legacy in contemporary literature and environmental philosophy.
