Optimism in American Literature – Light Transcendentalists

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two names synonymous with a process of thought called Transcendentalism. The concept began with a loose-knit group of American writers, artists, and performers in the 1830s and 1840s. They saw a world where industry was taking over at the expense of humanity. For them, the individual was the center of the universe and no institution was as powerful as each person's rights. Although this movement released few works and only lasted just over a decade, its influence is still seen today. In this topic, you will look at Emerson and Thoreau's writings, see how they fit into the Romantic era, and understand how their ideas are relevant today.

Essential Questions

• Why did Emerson and Thoreau believe understanding nature was essential to understanding oneself?
  
• How do Transcendentalist lessons apply to modern culture?