ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Transcendentalism, which lasted from about 1830 to 1860, was a vital part of the Romantic movement. Ralph Waldo Emerson was its putative leader. Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller were among the principals of the movement. The Transcendentalists believed there is a divine spirit in nature and in every living soul.

Detailed explanation-2: -Transcendentalism has its origins in New England of the early 1800s and the birth of Unitarianism. It was born from a debate between “New Light” theologians, who believed that religion should focus on an emotional experience, and “Old Light” opponents, who valued reason in their religious approach.

Detailed explanation-3: -Transcendentalism was largely influenced by the earlier Romantic Movement which was filled with innovative and imaginative ideas. Similar to the Romantic’s Transcendentalist wanted to break away from the old European models of organized institutions such as religion and politics.

Detailed explanation-4: -In this sense, Transcendentalism was a reaction against the extreme rationalism of the Enlightenment.