Term Papers on Transcendentalism

Term Paper Title	Transcendentalism
# of Words	1209
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	4.84

Transcendentalism

     “Transcendentalism:  a philosophy emphasizing the intuitive and spiritual over the
     empirical”(Webster’s dictionary, 1993)


     The impact the transcendental movement had on American literature cannot be
underestimated.  “Reawakening an interest in the great problems of human nature and destiny,”
authors such as Emerson, Alcott and Brownson, for example, forced the transcendental
movement into the path of Henry David Thoreau. (Spiller, 346)  As a self proclaimed “mystic, a
transcendentalist, and a natural philosopher,” Thoreau’s works invite the reader to explore his
intuitive philosophy (Spiller, 121).  Furthermore, Walden proves itself to be an adventure based
on the transcendentalist vision.
     Initially, the transcendentalist movement in New England was sparked by controversy
with the Unitarian church.   Critics began to view the Unitarian religion as based on a set of rules
which could not support their need for spiritual and emotional exploration.  The church’s
philosophy was moving more toward rational and reason based doctrines, and away from
“experiment and observation” (Spiller, 348).  This included the ideals of intuition, feeling and
mysticism.  In “Emerson’s Nature, the original- and probably the best systematic expression of
transcendentalist philosophy,” a theoretical examination is made, attempting to link a simple
knowledge of nature with a higher knowledge of the cause and source of nature.  Emerson, who
acted as Thoreau’s mentor and subsequent inspiration, spoke theoretically through Nature, while
Thoreau in contrast, actually created his own experiment at Walden Pond from July 4, 1845 to
September 6, 1847.  His purpose is made evident in Walden, as he states “I know of no more
encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious
endeavor” (1765)  Thoreau immersed himself into nature, allowed his mind to create a
consciousness of divinity, and thus “transcended” to spiritual fulfillment.
     As a true transcendentalist, Thoreau’s retreat to Walden Pond signified the start of his
process toward spiritual rebirth.  Later, once his goal was accomplished, he wanted to share his
exhilaration and gains with others who knew not of the rewards.  Walden opens with Economy,
which is highly critical of the demands and materialism of society.  “Most men, even in this
comparatively free country, through mere ignorance and mistake, are so occupied with the
factious cares and superfluously coarse labors of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by
them” (1721).  Living on Walden Pond, Thoreau simplified his life down to the basic necessities
of food, shelter, clothing and fuel.  This allowed him to focus his attention on creating a
fulfilling way of life through meditation and reflection, instead of constantly working to own
more property or pay off past debt.  Using the great ancient philosophers as an example, Thoreau
explains that they “were a class than which none has been poorer in outward riches, none so rich
in inward” (1726).  As a transcendentalist, he is embracing the wisdom of the past, and learning
from their ways.  By abandoning modern superfluities, Thoreau is opening his mind to the
liberating powers of nature.
     Delving further into Economy, we witness Thoreau building his cabin, which can
metaphorically be viewed as the rebuilding of himself.  As he begins building in the spring, he
explains his work days as “pleasant spring days, in which the winter of man’s discontent was
thawing as well as the earth.” (1740)  As the spring continues his progress grows relatively.  It
seems as if he is reflecting on the state of society and how it hinders man’s spiritual growth,
while he is instead experiencing a reawakening of  the spirit in his sanctuary.  At the same time,
as spring arrives and progress is made, Thoreau begins to feel a greater connection with nature.
Hearing the songs of the birds, and feeling winter’s thaw, he recognizes that if men “should feel
the influence of the spring ...

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