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Ralph Waldo Emerson, throughout his writing, expresses many Transcendentalist views. In his piece Self-Reliance, Emerson argues against conformity and society’s laws. He instead advocates for the freedom of thought and the idea of individual superiority, saying that the universe, or “Oversoul” is present in everyone. One must look inwards to see the truth rather than relying on others; the self reliant man reflects on himself and there he will find the truth. Emerson details the destructiveness of societal expectations and laws which obstruct individuals from voicing their own opinions and forces conformity:
It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. (118)
Emerson attacks the tendency of inauthenticity when faced with societal expectations. The dualities between what one truly believes and what one says to appease the majority only serves to further the grip of society on mankind. Emerson expresses his Transcendentalist views by commending those who manage to hold their own when faced with an opposing majority opinion. Self reflection and the expression of one's beliefs without influence from society is crucial in breaking away from the mold of societal laws. Emerson engages in self reflection by rejecting the traditional laws of society and expressing his opinions regardless of the majority.
Like Emerson, Thoreau argues against the traditions of society and government. He believes that the government is losing its integrity, that the people of society can accomplish more if the government governs less. Thoreau expresses his discontent with the authoritative power of the government and gives the individual autonomy by elaborating on how the government was not the reason for America’s advancements, but it was the individual, striving for change:
It is excellent, we must all allow; yet this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way. It does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It does not educate. The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way. (4)
The government is not responsible for the advancements within society, the individual is, and until the State acknowledges the individual’s power, a truly free and enlightened State cannot be achieved. Thoreau and his Transcendentalist views depict traditional society in a cruel way; society diminishes an individual’s personal freedom and imposes a strict set of rules in which to follow. He condemns the authority of government, arguing that instead individuals should rely on themselves for the truth, not the majority or the government. Like a plant, man should live according to its nature, and reject the restricting nature of society, or else he will die.
Emily Dickinson, in “Much Madness is Divinest Sense,” discusses the relationship between the majority and conformity in society. Traditional societal laws expect conformity to the majority opinion. If one disagrees and veers away from the majority, society will handle the individual with a “Chain” — keeping those with differing opinions at arm's length. Dickinson expresses how a “discerning eye” can understand perceived madness as sensible. Likewise, the misguided majority shifts sense to madness, stripping away one’s individuality by invoking the fear of being outcasted. She encourages the Transcendentalist values of nonconformity and free thought, illustrating that society’s definitions of “sense” and “madness” should not be taken at face value; one must not follow opinions blindly. This being said, many choose to ignore their opinions for fear of causing upset in the workings of society.
Whitman, in his poem, “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer,” discusses the relationship between man and nature. He critiques the traditional astronomer, who teaches with charts and diagrams which distances humanity from nature. Whitman makes it clear in his writing that he finds the teachings of the “learn’d astronomer” superficial in nature, “How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick” (Whitman). The speaker feels unmotivated and uneducated with the disciplinary mathematical direction from the astronomer. However, when he wanders freely and undirected, he is able to appreciate the stars and learn from them. In true Transcendentalist fashion, Whitman is suggesting that one can only learn by observing nature and relying on oneself rather than an authoritative figure like the learn’d astronomer. Enlightenment cannot come from mankind, but from nature itself.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain illustrates the importance of nature and self-reliance— two very important factors of the Transcendentalist movement. The Widow and Miss Watson, who care for Huck, try to conform him to traditional societal laws— religion, formal language, and presentable clothing. However, Huck rejects the supposed civility pushed on him by his caretakers. He would much rather be clothed in rags and immersed in nature, “I used to slide out and sleep in the woods, sometimes, and so that was a rest to me” (Twain 11). Huck’s upbringing made him responsible and self-reliant; he has the ability to care for himself and reflect on his actions. Twain uses the characterization of Huck to illustrate that it is not necessary for one to conform to the traditions of society to be a decent person. In fact, Huck’s “uncivilized” nature is what makes him sincere and logical. Compared to the adults represented in Huck Finn, like Pa, the Widow, and Miss Watson, Huck is a saint; Huck does not push ideologies on others, he is loyal, fair, and able to admit his faults, something the adults have difficulty doing.
W.H. Auden’s “The Unknown Citizen” attacks the traditional view of a contributing member of society. He describes a man who lived a model life: he served the community, he had children, he was insured— he did everything society expected of him. Auden argues that modern society, in an attempt to increase productivity, has stripped the individuality away from the individual— that which makes life meaningful, “That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint,/ For in everything he did he served the Greater Community'' (Auden 4-5). The distinction between a citizen and an individual is this: the citizen follows the laws of society whereas the individual lives for himself. Society’s goal is to create the illusion of freewill, when in reality, its purpose is to tell people how they should live their lives. Auden advocates for the individual to take the risk of alienation, and to break free from the conformity of society.
e.e. Cummings uses his poem, “Pity this busy monster, manunkind” to attack society as a destructive force. He describes societal progression as a “comfortable disease,” illustrating that mankind is hyperfocused on the rapid advancements of society rather than the conservation of the natural world. Humanity, with progression, has created an enjoyable environment for its members. However, the same progression has destroyed the natural world. As a Transcendentalist, Cummings values the beauty of nature and condemns the current situation where man views himself as god-like and chooses to neglect his nature. The extreme manifestation of society has resulted in a divide between the natural world and mankind, and rather than remedying this, humanity continues to destroy nature with its never ending advancements.
The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, illustrates the tendency of mankind to bow to the majority regardless of what is sensible. When Abigail and the other girls of Salem recklessly accuse Rebecca Nurse of witchcraft, the other inhabitants of the village take the accusation seriously and without question. Although Rebecca Nurse has only ever been known as a kind and sensible woman, she falls victim to the hysteria present in the town of Salem. Rebecca’s husband, Francis, in an attempt to save his beloved wife, presents evidence of innocence to the court. The court however, dismisses this, determined to eradicate the so-called devil plaguing Salem.
Miller utilizes his writing to reveal the stupidity of conformity. The Salem Witch Trials consisted of ludicrous accusations and ignorance which stemmed from the theocratic government in place; the ignorance of a fearful society led to the death of many who had never conversed with the devil. Miller is rejecting the traditions of a society which values conformity and submission, and is instead advocating for one’s individuality and freedom of thought.
Dead Poets Society expresses many ideas of Transcendentalism through the characterization of Mr. Keating. The English teacher is used to demonstrate the benefits of the aspects of Transcendentalism involving individuality: freethinking, the rejection of institutions and traditional society, nonconformity, and self-reliance. Mr. Keating’s idealistic views on teaching nurtures his student’s love of poetry, allowing them to grow and learn in their own individual ways.
Despite his students’ love for his teaching style, Mr. Keating faces much criticism from the other faculty members in the school. For example, McAllister, another teacher, criticized Keating’s “missguided” class which consisted of the destruction of poetry books. Instead of conforming to the majority opinion of proper teaching methods, Mr. Keating continues to teach in his own unique way, inspiring students to value individuality.
In the Disney movie Brave, Princess Merida must follow the expectations set by her mother and previous generations. She is required to behave in a ladylike manner: sit up straight, keep your thoughts to yourself, wear dresses, and follow the rules. Her mother, Queen Elinor, pushes marriage on Merida, however, Merida refuses. She is determined to choose her own fate, and refuses to be restricted by the traditional royal practices. In an attempt to change her fate of marriage, she goes to a witch for a spell, and although it was not the best decision, and uprooted her entire family (turning her mother and brothers into bears), Merida effectively took fate into her own hands.
Besides the rejection of tradition, the movie Brave also focuses on the importance of nature in the lives of mankind. In the movie, Merida has said that an individual’s fate or destiny is tied to land. Aligning with Emerson and Thoreau’s idealist views, Merida is connected to nature and must look towards it and reflect on herself to find the truth. After doing so, she realizes her actions did more harm than good, and does everything in her power to fix her mistakes, eventually reuniting her family.