• Home Page
  • The Clash Of Transcendentalism In Emerson And Henry David Thoreau

The Clash Of Transcendentalism In Emerson And Henry David Thoreau

Great Essays
Show More
Transcendentalist Lives Clash Why are they clashing? Don’t all the transcendentalists like each other? They do, but most have different ideas. Is this where sanity goes to just plain old crazy? Or is it just your heart telling you what to do? This is where Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau differ. While Emerson established the “transcendentalist ideas” (Transcendentalism An American Philosophy), Thoreau lived them word by word. Henry David Thoreau lived a very different life from Ralph Waldo Emerson, so how could they have the same ideas? Listed below are 2 differences and why they thought alike in these 2 amazing writers lives, and why they are special men in their own ways. One is how both thought the same way but lived differently, …show more content…
Both Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Thoreau took it a couple steps farther though. One of Thoreau’s most famous writings is titled “Walden Pond”. Walden Pond is where Thoreau resided for most of his life time. He built his own little cabin right next to the pond. Coincidentally this area of land was owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Ralph Waldo Emerson Bio). Thoreau and Emerson were great friends and colleagues. When approached by Thoreau, Emerson agreed to let him live on his property. Most of Thoreau’s days were spent traveling the woods and writing down what he feels and sees. Thoreau would always carry a pad of paper and pen where he traveled. This was done so if he had an idea for writing he could write it down so he wouldn’t forget (Cote). He would live a simplistic life with no; electricity, or …show more content…
"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Vince Brewton, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

Cote, Jen. Class Notes, April 2016

"Life and Legacy." Life and Legacy. Thoreau Society, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

"Measuring Worth - Results." Measuring Worth - Results. Measuring Worth, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

"Ralph Waldo Emerson." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

"Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau." Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

"Ralph Waldo Emerson House--Massachusetts Conservation: A Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary." United States. National Park Service.National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2016.

"Thoreau Quotes." Thoreau Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2016.

"Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.

"Walden Quotes." By Henry David Thoreau. Goodreads, n.d. Web. 06 Apr.

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Thoreau And Emerson Comparison
    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Thoreau And Emerson Comparison

    Transcendentalism was a movement in mid-nineteenth century America that focused on an individual obtaining personal freedom from the constrictions of their surrounding society. Thus, it can be said that they pushed for social and political change to be achieved so that individualism would be prized over collectivism. Two writers, Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, are at the frontline of these Transcendentalist views. These authors introduce a similar twist to the concept of personal freedom, claiming that a person can achieve it by encompassing oneself into nature.…

    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Thoreau At 200 Rhetorical Analysis
    • 335 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Thoreau At 200 Rhetorical Analysis

    It was a tall white pine, on the top of a hill; and though I got well pitched, I was well paid for it, for I discovered new mountains in the horizon which I had never seen before, —so much more of the earth and the heavens” (2027). Due to his strong language, as readers we are able to visualize climbing a tall white pine tree, discovering new mountains, and finding the missing pieces in ourselves along the way. It is his imaginative approach to language and nature that allows us to accept his words and believe that we are going with him on an adventure through his writing. Likewise, Thoreau gives us many anecdotes in his essay that we can learn from.…

    • 335 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Transcendentalism And Walden Comparison
    • 500 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Transcendentalism And Walden Comparison

    Between the works of two of the most well known Transcendentalist writers, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, the comparison between one of their most famous works, Self Reliance and Walden, shows how their ideas were alike. Emerson served as Thoreau's mentor and influence for many of his literary efforts. Since Emerson had such an impact on Thereau, the pieces seem comparable due to the fact that they wrote stories based their knowledge and beliefs on Transcendentalism. Some examples of how these writings are alike are the similar ideas of conformity, how there should be more focus on the individual or yourself, and the use of imperative sentences to get readers to understand the theme.…

    • 500 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Into The Wild
    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Into The Wild

    Transcendentalist’s main belief is finding inner self-wisdom, and believing that happiness has been found. Chris McCandless does not want to live a normal average life like everyone else. In the book he…

    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Difference Between Self Reliance And Transcendentalism
    • 118 Words
    • 1 Pages

    Difference Between Self Reliance And Transcendentalism

    Both authors believed in the idea of individuals engaging in their emotional state, they also believe people should listen to their own voice, and listen clearly in their hearts and minds as they engage in self definition. In Self Reliance the author Emerson quotes that “imitation is suicide”, and Thoreau believes in staying true to one’s own conviction as one engages in self definition. The need to define oneself through action and rebellion, listening to one’s heart and mind as opposed to blindly following the state, is important to Thoreau. Thoreau and Emerson are both transcendentalists, they believe that people should adhere to their own conscience and not worry too much about what society thought they should do.…

    • 118 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Transcendentalism: Paine And Ralph Waldo Emerson
    • 791 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Transcendentalism: Paine And Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Emerson was a major proponent of finding one’s self, on your own, with no one else’s help. As detailed in Self-Reliance, Emerson questions the manhood of conformists, stating “[w]hoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.” and encourages others to "[t]rust thyself.” (1747 & 1748) One could make a parallel with Paine since Paine had to overcome every obstacle in his life by himself.…

    • 791 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Henry David Thoreau's 'Wild'
    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Henry David Thoreau's 'Wild'

    They questioned the teachings of established churches and the business practices of the merchant class. They argued for a mystical and intuitive way of thinking as a means for discovering one's inner self and looking for the essence of God in nature. Thoreau really embraced the idea that humans should be connected with nature. He lived on Walden Pond and built his own house and lived in total isolation. Thoreau once said, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”…

    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Examples Of Transcendental Literature
    • 491 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Examples Of Transcendental Literature

    I most relate to the transcendental literature because of what it inspires within me. It is all too easy to get wrapped up in what society expects of you. The transcendentalists writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman suggest we listen to our inner voice. In “Self Reliance” Emerson advocated for this throughout the essay with statements such as, “ Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” Your conformity explains nothing.”…

    • 491 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Henry David Thoreau Research Paper
    • 1095 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Henry David Thoreau Research Paper

    Henry had first met Emerson when he attended Harvard University. Emerson was giving a lecture, as he had a book that had recently been published, Nature. He introduced Transcendentalism to Thoreau, which utterly intrigued him. Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement focused on the significance of intuition, the elevation of the spirit, and the purity of nature. Henry introduced himself after the lecture, and the two became close companions.…

    • 1095 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Transcendentalism In Self-Reliance And Henry David Thoreau's Conscience?
    • 1428 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Transcendentalism In Self-Reliance And Henry David Thoreau's Conscience?

    Transcendentalism was a religious, philosophical, and literary movement that began to express itself in the early 1800s. Transcendentalism is the belief that man, by observing nature and examining self, can better his humanity and become one with God (Goodman). Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two strongly influential transcendentalists whose philosophies continue to provide significant message and meaning. Emerson, as a notorious writer, lecturer, and editor of the transcendental period, was dominant among the transcendentalists. Henry David Thoreau is remembered for his philosophical and naturalist writings, in which he studied under poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.…

    • 1428 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Compare And Contrast Thoreau's Walden And Self-Reliance
    • 2499 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Compare And Contrast Thoreau's Walden And Self-Reliance

    What specific connections does Thoreau’s Walden transcendental essay share with Emerson’s Self-Reliance? The idea of self-reliance is expressed in Walden thoroughly. Both of the men show similar ideas of what it…

    • 2499 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Emerson And Thoreau: The Importance Of Nature
    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Emerson And Thoreau: The Importance Of Nature

    Thoreau made life the least important thing and made nature his priority. He was able to go out into nature and restart his life over using nature only. Nature made both Emerson and Thoreau experience a variety of new emotions they have never had. Thoreau did better at emphasizing the importance of…

    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Individualism In Walden, By Henry David Thoreau
    • 1385 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Individualism In Walden, By Henry David Thoreau

    He says, “Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind” (Thoreau 6). There is no need to accept the previously traditional ways of living. In an effort to connect to a spiritually rich life and to show the shortcomings of a common life, Thoreau moves a mile outside of the nearest neighbor and builds his home away from society at Walden Pond in an experiment of self-reliance. However, when digging deeper, the hypocrisy of Thoreau begins to emerge. In his quest to be within nature, he only moves a mile from his nearest neighbor with a connection to society still looming.…

    • 1385 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Theme Of Materialism In Henry David Thoreau
    • 1208 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Theme Of Materialism In Henry David Thoreau

    Henry David Thoreau, an unconventional Romantic writer, uses his experience at Walden Pond to decipher the significant elements of life. Through his time spent in solitude, he ponders upon personal development and wishes to “live deliberately” and simply. Thoreau’s idea of living simply and reflecting on the important things in life allows him to realize that society is filled with a myriad of detrimental matters, including the prominent materialistic mindset, unnecessary distractions including technology, and a lack of simplicity. In “Where I Lived, And What I Lived For”, Henry David Thoreau effectively uses diction to emphasize the negative aspects of materialism, efficiently uses anecdotes and rhetorical questions to analyze the negative…

    • 1208 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Walden
    • 1035 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Examples Of Transcendentalism In Walden

    He recognizes that he almost was tainted by the luxuriousness that the town’s life had to offer, but just escaped the stifling grasp of society: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived” (Thoreau 59). Too often, people are caught in society’s idea of success, which entails money and greed. Showing disdain for these unredeeming motives, Thoreau questions and critiques these societal pressures and challenges readers to rid themselves of cupidity and selfishness. Instead, replacing these qualities with morality will be beneficial for the mental and physical health of a person. In order to achieve this kind of satisfaction, “...…

    • 1035 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More

Related Topics

Ready To Get Started?
Discover
Company
Follow
©2024 Cram.com
Privacy Policy |  About Ads |  Site Map |  Advertise  | 
  • Cookie Settings