Assignment - 3 - Transcendentalism in the ‘Nature’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is part of an assignment for the paper  108 -  The American Literature, Sem - 2, 2023.

TRANSCENDENTALISM IN THE ‘NATURE’ 

BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information
• Assignment Details
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Historical Context of Transcendentalism
• ‘Nature’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Transcendentalism in ‘Nature’
• Relevance of Transcendentalism in Contemporary Society
• Conclusion
• Works Cited

Personal Information:-

Name:- Pooja Anilbhai Bhuva

Batch:- M.A. Sem 2 (2022-2024)

Enrollment Number:- 4069206420220005

E-mail Address:- poojabhuva2002@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 15

Assignment Details:-

Topic:- Transcendentalism in the ‘Nature’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Paper & subject code:-  108 -  The American Literature & 22401

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU,

Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 31st March, 2023

About Assignment:- In this assignment I described how Ralph Waldo Emerson shows us the importance of Transcendentalism through his essay named ‘Nature’ and how Transcendentalism affects Contemporary Society.

Abstract:-

Transcendentalism, unlike its name, is easy to understand and that is only because of the way Emerson described it. So, to understand Transcendentalism one should know a bit about Emerson. Introduction of the idea gives a glimpse how and what is included in this topic. Historical background gives us an idea how Transcendentalism came into existence and affected other movements too. The text named ‘Nature’ helps us to understand a portion of the relationship between nature and human beings. Society too plays an important role in the context of Transcendentalism. 

Keywords:-

Transcendentalism, Nature, Human, Individual, Relation, Society

Introduction:-

“Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit, cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Transcendentalism is something which we all embrace by its characteristics and point of view as described by Emerson, Thoerue, Fuller and other Transcendentalists. The values and ideas of Transcendentalism continue to be relevant today, offering a perspective that emphasizes the importance of individualism, spirituality, and environmental and social justice. Emerson's essay "Nature" is a foundational text of the Transcendentalist movement. It highlights the importance of individualism, intuition, and spiritual connection with nature, and encourages people to look beyond the material world to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Ralph Waldo Emerson:-

Ralph Waldo Emerson was born on May 25, 1803 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. and died on April 27, 1882 in Concord, Ma-ssachusetts. He was an American lecturer, poet, and an essayist and important figure of New England Transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson was born into a family of religious leaders and had exposure to various religious traditions. His mother's family was Anglican, while his father was a Unitarian clergyman who appreciated the arts. Emerson started writing his essay "Nature" in 1833, which gained him popularity as a speaker and writer. In 1835, he got married to Lydia Jackson.

Historical Context of Transcendentalism:-

Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the United States in the early 19th century. It was primarily a response to the cultural and intellectual climate of the time, which was characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and materialism.  At this time, America was experiencing significant social and political changes, including the expansion of democracy, the abolitionist movement, and the women's rights movement. 

There was also a growing interest in science and technology, and a belief in progress and human perfectibility.  In this context, Transcendentalists sought to challenge the prevailing values and beliefs of American society. They were deeply critical of the materialism and consumerism that dominated American culture, and they sought to promote a more spiritual and individualistic approach to life.  Transcendentalism was influenced by a number of different intellectual and philosophical traditions, including German idealism, Eastern mysticism, and Romanticism. 

Transcendentalists were particularly interested in the works of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schelling, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, as well as the Hindu scriptures and the Taoist texts.  Some of the key figures associated with Transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller. Emerson's essay "Nature" is often cited as one of the foundational texts of the movement.  Overall, Transcendentalism was a response to the social and cultural changes of the early 19th century, and it sought to promote a more spiritual and individualistic approach to life. It was an important cultural movement that had a lasting impact on American literature, philosophy, and culture.

‘Nature’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson:- 

Indeed, this essay is very interesting to notice relationship between human and nature but one can described this essay in following points:-

The importance of nature as a source of inspiration and wisdom:-

Emerson's essay "Nature" emphasizes the significance of nature as a source of inspiration and wisdom. He argues that nature can help people transcend their ordinary lives and connect with something greater than themselves. Emerson writes, "Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. To a man laboring under calamity, the heat of his own fire hath sadness in it. Then, there is a kind of contempt of the landscape felt by him who has just lost a dear friend by death. The sky is less grand as it shuts down over less worth in the population". Here, Emerson suggests that nature can reflect a person's inner state, and that it can provide comfort and solace during difficult times.  

The role of intuition and individualism in Transcendentalism:-

Emerson also emphasizes the importance of intuition and individualism in Transcendentalism. He argues that people should trust their own instincts and intuition, rather than relying on the opinions and beliefs of others. He encourages people to embrace their unique identities and to express themselves authentically. Emerson writes, "To be great is to be misunderstood. We but only half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents". Here, Emerson suggests that people should not be afraid to express their individuality, even if it goes against societal norms and expectations.

The spiritual connection between human beings and nature:-

Another key theme in Emerson's essay is the spiritual connection between human beings and nature. He argues that the natural world is a manifestation of the divine, and that people can experience a spiritual connection with nature. Emerson writes, "The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood". Here, Emerson suggests that people who are attuned to nature can experience a sense of childlike wonder and awe, which can be a spiritual experience.

The relationship between nature and divinity:-

Emerson also explores the relationship between nature and divinity in his essay. He suggests that nature is a manifestation of the divine, and that people can connect with the divine through their experiences of nature. Emerson writes, "The universe is represented in an atom, in a moment of time. God is the all-fair. Truth, and goodness, and beauty, are but different faces of the same All". Here, Emerson suggests that the beauty and goodness of nature are evidence of the divine. 

Emerson's criticism of society and materialism:-

Finally, Emerson is also critical of society and materialism in his essay. He suggests that people are too focused on material wealth and success, and that this distracts them from the true sources of inspiration and wisdom. Emerson writes, "The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet. He is supported on crutches, but lacks so much support of muscle" (paragraph 7). Here, Emerson suggests that people have become too reliant on technology and material possessions, and that they have lost touch with their own bodies and the natural world.

Transcendentalism in ‘Nature’:- 

In his essay "Nature," Ralph Waldo Emerson outlines the principles of Transcendentalism, which is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century in the United States. Transcendentalism emphasized the importance of individualism, intuition, and the spiritual connection between human beings and nature.  

Emerson begins by stating that nature is a source of inspiration and wisdom, and that people should look to nature for guidance in their lives. He argues that nature can help people transcend their ordinary lives and connect with something greater than themselves.  

Emerson also emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and individualism. He argues that people should trust their own instincts and intuition, rather than relying on the opinions and beliefs of others. He encourages people to embrace their unique identities and to express themselves authentically.  

Furthermore, Emerson suggests that the natural world is a manifestation of the divine, and that people can experience a spiritual connection with nature. He argues that nature can help people connect with their own inner divinity and that this connection can lead to a deeper understanding of the universe. 

Relevance of Transcendentalism in Contemporary Society:-

Transcendentalism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of the individual and the spiritual connection between human beings and nature. Although it emerged in the early 19th century, its ideas and values continue to be relevant in contemporary society.  One way in which Transcendentalism remains relevant today is through its emphasis on individualism and self-care. In a world that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency over personal well-being, the Transcendentalist emphasis on individualism and spiritual fulfillment can offer a valuable perspective on the importance of taking care of oneself. The idea of mindfulness, for example, which has gained popularity in recent years, shares some similarities with Transcendentalist ideas about the importance of being present in the moment and finding meaning in the natural world.  

Transcendentalism's criticism of materialism and consumerism is particularly relevant to contemporary environmental and social justice issues. As the negative impact of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the Transcendentalist idea of the interconnectedness of all living things can provide a valuable perspective on the need to protect the environment. Similarly, the Transcendentalist emphasis on the value of spiritual fulfillment over material possessions can provide a counterbalance to the rampant consumerism that dominates many aspects of modern society.

Conclusion:-

Emerson's essay "Nature" is a foundational text of the Transcendentalist movement. It highlights the importance of individualism, intuition, and spiritual connection with nature, and encourages people to look beyond the material world to find meaning and purpose in their lives. In terms of literary techniques, Emerson uses metaphor, imagery, and repetition throughout the essay to emphasize his points. For example, he compares the stars in the sky to "a spray of diamond dust" and he describes the beauty of the natural world in vivid detail. He also repeats certain phrases, such as "transparent eyeball" and "the unity of nature," to emphasize their importance to his argument. Our Relation with nature described beautifully by Emerson.

Works Cited:- 

• Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ralph Waldo Emerson". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Waldo-Emerson. Accessed 30 March 2023.
• Emerson, Ralph Waldo and Larzer Ziff. Nature and Selected Essays. Penguin, 2003.
• Wayne, Tiffany. Encyclopedia of Transcendentalism. Infobase Publishing, 20 14.

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