Transcendentalism

Time Period Mid 1800’s U.S. is an established country American writers are beginning to make a name for themselves Becoming famous around the world People want to read American ideas

Transcendentalism Philosophical/intellectual movement Protest of the current state of culture and society institutions corrupt the purity of the individual Example: It’s better to have your own individual religious beliefs than to follow a church and not really know why or believe everything that church says Relate this to “The Crucible”

Basic Beliefs Intuition (Instinct) Individualism a. non-conformity a. More important that what one sees b. Trust your “gut” Individualism a. non-conformity b. be yourself / don’t follow the crowd

Turn and Talk Do you think that most people are conformists or non-conformists? What are the advantages of conformity? What are the advantages of non- conformity?

4. Human Potential 3. Self-Reliance Anti-Materialism b. People should not be dependent on money or belongings -Louisa May Alcott’s dad 4. Human Potential a. People are naturally good b. Everyone has limitless potential

Turn and talk: Do you believe that everyone has the potential to achieve great things? What does a person have to do in order to achieve his/her potential?

Key Players of the Transcendental Movement

Writer, philosopher, and lecturer Famous for his essays and poems Ralph Waldo Emerson Writer, philosopher, and lecturer Famous for his essays and poems Created the “Transcendental” Philosophy Independently wealthy

Henry David Thoreau Friend of Emerson Known to Question Authority Famous for Walden -Lived alone in a cabin and wrote the book about his experience -“The supreme work of Transcendentalist Literature”

Walt Whitman Inspired by Emerson Had little formal education Emerson admired his writing and poetry Most famous writing: Leaves of Grass

Margaret Fuller Friend of Emerson Believed in women’s rights “We would have every path laid open to woman as to man.” Co-founder and editor of “The Dial” Transcendental magazine Woman editor- unheard of at that time She’s responsible for its success

Based on these notes, why do you think they called themselves Transcendentalists?

Practice for the Project- Lyrics What Transcendental idea(s)? Explain.

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