Transcendentalism

Transcedentalism

By Baylie DeLaRosa

Transcedentalism

In the 1800s, a group of writers and philosophers in the United States started a movement known as Transcendentalism. Transcendentalists questioned the rules of society. They believed that it was important to value nature and individual freedom.

Transcendentalism was part of a larger movement called Romanticism. Romanticism stressed the importance of nature and emotion over science, authority, order, and reason. Transcendentalism also rebelled against these values and stressed the importance of following one’s inner feelings and imagination to better understand the world.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes a transcendentalist?

• A person who believes in strict adherence to tradition and authority.
• An individual who prioritizes material wealth and success over spiritual growth.
• Someone who believes in the importance of nature, individual freedom, and trusting your own feelings and intuition to understand the world.

• Someone who rejects the idea of nature having any intrinsic value.

Multiple Choice

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” -Henry David Thoreau

“Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.” -Henry David Thoreau

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What do these quotes have in common?

• They all discourage personal beliefs and opinions.
• They all promote individuality and self-expression.
• They all advocate for following societal norms.
• They all emphasize conformity and tradition.

John James Audubon

Multiple Choice

What do most of John James Audubon's paintings have in common?

• They focus on landscapes without animals.
• They are abstract representations of nature.
• They depict birds in their natural habitats.
• They primarily feature mammals and reptiles.

Multiple Choice

Based on his artwork, which of the following would best describe how John James Audubon felt about nature?

• He disliked the outdoors.
• He felt a profound admiration and connection to nature.
• He preferred urban environments over nature.
• He was indifferent to nature.

​Hudson River School Artwork

Multiple Choice

What do the Hudson River Schools' artwork focus on?

• Abstract interpretations of emotions
• Historical events in American history
• The beauty of the American landscape.

• Urban landscapes of New York City

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do you think best describes the Hudson River School?

• A historical society dedicated to preserving American architecture.
• An American art movement focused on landscape painting.
• A European art movement focused on abstract painting.
• A literary movement emphasizing realism in storytelling.

Multiple Choice

Based on what you have seen and read, which of the following are characteristics of the transcendentalist movement?

• Emphasis on industrial progress
• Conformity to societal norms
• Individualism, connection to nature and self-reliance.

• Rejection of nature and simplicity