Lisle english 227
Blair Lisle
[Untitled Review]
Transcendentalism as a social movement
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Transcendentalism evolved during the 1800s as a revolt to the way society and culture had formed. Those involved that are most recognizable are Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau,. and Margaret Fuller. Tired of high society shenanigans, and societal pressure to own many pricey belongings and have a high stature, the transcendentalists set an example by shunning their excess belongings and moving to verdant locales. Not a large amount of the population followed transcendentalism, however it has gained recognition amongst scholars.
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The movement was not widely accepted by society at the time. The idea of a simplistic life focusing on nature was not of mass appeal. Most during the period were involved with enriching their lives through the material. Fighting through class systems, having material wealth, and gaining nominal recognition were the goals of the time. The ideals of minimalism and nature-loving were not the popular opinion.
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[Untitled Review]
Nay-saying in Concord: Emerson,Alcott,and Thoreau
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[Untitled Review]
Emerson&Thoreau: Transcendentalists in conflict
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Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are the names most swiftly associated with the movement. Although both sides of the spectrum have their validity,transcendentalism has its merits. Contrary to popular notion, transcendentalism was not a religious movement. As both of these men had their values regarding the movement, transcendentalism still underwent scrutiny for its rebellion against societal norms.
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http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/transcendentalism/
Transcendentalism is a poetic, societal, and reformation movement of the nineteenth century. Social reform was key to the ideal, and those involved were known through their social experiments and writings. It was an escape of human depravity derived from Unitarianism. It underwent much scrutiny for tis validation, and was propelled by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
http://www.transcendentalists.com/special_dates.htm
The movement began in 1819 with a Unitarian sermon given by William Ellery Channing. The sermon was a predecessor to what is known as Transcendentalism. In 1836, the Transcendentalist Club was formed, providing an accepting environment for those perpetuating the ideal. Thoreau has his stay on Waldon Pond in 1835, this book on the ideals of the movement is one of the most well known pieces of literature associated with transcendentalism. The movement died out in the late 1800s with the deaths of its proprietors.
January of 1842, Ralph Waldo Emerson gave an address to the Masonic Temple in Boston. The speech addressed the ideals of Transcendentalism. The movement orbited around Emerson, and he underwent much scrutiny for his movement. Following his address were many negative reports on his ideals.
The social reform movement of transcendentalism had its merits as a refreshing reform of the mid nineteenth century. Although there were nay-sayers in society during its hay-day, it still managed to flourish and gain the recognition that it has today. It is understood that transcendentalism is beneficial to society because of its radical ideals that are really more simplified ways to live.
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