Questions and Answers
Define transcendentalism.
Transcendentalism was a philosophical, social, and literary movement that was most popular from about 1835 to 1860. It suggested that people were basically good and that each individual was important because God was within each individual soul or heart.
What did the transcendentalists believe?
They believed that the answers to questions about Truth, Life, and Everyday Living could be found in the individual's heart because God was there.
What did the transcendentalists think about nature?
They believed Nature should be studied and cherished and was essential in finding the answers to questions about Truth, Life, and Everyday Living.
Who were two of the greatest non-fiction writers that were Transcendentalists?
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What is Thoreau's most famous book?
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What is Emerson most famous for today?
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Who was Margaret Fuller?
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Who was Bronson Alcott?
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What were the transcendentalists deeply involved in?
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Who was the most persistent abolitionist among the Transcendentalists?
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What significant events occurred in Emerson's life?
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What significant events occurred in Thoreau's life?
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What is Emerson's importance?
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Which of the following are works by Emerson? (Select all that apply)
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What are some of Thoreau's important works?
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What is Thoreau's importance?
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Study Notes
Transcendentalism Overview
- Transcendentalism flourished from 1835 to 1860, emphasizing individual goodness and the divine within each person.
- It championed the belief that individuals can find answers to life’s questions within their own hearts.
Beliefs of Transcendentalists
- Emphasis on personal intuition and inner honesty over reliance on societal norms or external authority.
- Nature is viewed as a vital teacher, representing God’s pure creation and essential for understanding Truth and life.
Key Figures
- Henry David Thoreau: Notable works include Walden and Civil Disobedience; he applied transcendentalist principles to daily life and is recognized as a leading naturalist.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson: Influential essays such as Nature and Self-Reliance define American individualism; he is considered the main figure of Transcendentalism in the 19th century.
Other Influential Transcendentalists
- Margaret Fuller: Writer, teacher, feminist, and social reformer, she contributed significantly to the movement.
- Bronson Alcott: Advanced educator and transcendentalist, known for his progressive teaching methods.
Social Involvement
- Transcendentalists actively supported the abolition of slavery, often risking their safety while assisting those fleeing via the Underground Railroad.
- Theodore Parker: A key abolitionist who aided John Brown's raid at Harper’s Ferry.
Key Contributions and Ideas
- Emerson’s works encapsulate the contrast between Materialism and Idealism, fostering a new American consciousness toward equality.
- Thoreau established the environmental movement and his writings have profoundly influenced figures like Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Significant Works
- Emerson’s important writings: Nature, Self-Reliance, The American Scholar, and The Divinity School Address.
- Thoreau’s literary contributions include Walden, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, and Civil Disobedience.
Historical Context
- Emerson was born in 1803 in Boston, MA, and passed away in 1882 in Concord, MA.
- Thoreau was born in 1817 and died in Concord, MA in 1862, contributing to literature, naturalism, and social philosophy.
Philosophical Impact
- Transcendentalism significantly reshaped the discourse on individualism and societal values in America, encouraging self-reliance and personal growth rooted in nature and morality.
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Description
Test your knowledge of transcendentalism with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts, beliefs, and prominent figures of the transcendentalist movement from 1835 to 1860. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of American literature and philosophy.
