Transcendentalism Vs Dark Romanticism Essay: In this essay, we will examine the two major movements of the 19th century: Transcendentalism and Dark Romanticism. In order to fully understand what these movements are, it is helpful to look at the people and the circumstances that influenced these movements.
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What is Dark Romanticism?
This literary movement emerged in the mid-nineteenth century when it was clear that people were no longer satisfied with the rationalism of the enlightenment. Dark Romanticism is characterized by a pessimistic view of humanity and can include themes of misanthropy, nihilism, and self-destruction. The movement is marked by a fascination with death and the supernatural, as well as a romantic longing for feudalism and the Middle Ages.
Dark Romanticism reflects the disillusionment and cynicism of a generation who had become increasingly frustrated by the Industrial Revolution and its effects on their lives. This can be seen in the works of American author Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote macabre short stories and poems that deal with death, despair, and the subconscious. It’s a way of thinking that is not particularly evident in H. P. Lovecraft’s writing, but it can be seen in the works of his literary circle, the so-called “Lovecraft Circle”, which included individuals like Robert E. Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, and August Derleth, who took what Lovecraft had written and added their own unique spin on it.
The ideology of dark romanticism tends to focus on two main themes:
The notion of a duality manifested in the world (the belief that evil and good are equally powerful forces).
The danger of individuals who are powerful and self-concerned.
Furthermore, the dark romantic movement is characterized by the sense of rebellion and the belief that man’s unhappiness stems from his social condition. This movement is also defined by the concept of man versus nature and the opposition between reason and passion.
What is Transcendentalism?
Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement created by philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Emerson was a Unitarian minister who resigned to become a writer and lecturer on philosophy. He wrote essays based on his own experiences and beliefs, but still rooted in the teachings of Puritan theologians. Emerson preached self-reliance, the need to use one’s own experiences to discover truth and find one’s own path. He believed that the world was governed by a natural law, and didn’t see the need for a church or organized religion. Transcendentalism is based on three principles: nature, intuition, and individuality. In other words, Transcendentalists looked for unity with nature and found harmony in the individual.
Transcendentalists were also influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. They saw that all things were interconnected, and that all people could reach a higher state of consciousness. They focused on nature as a source of wisdom, and on the individual’s ability to create art. Transcendentalism was taken up by many people in New England. Moreover, Transcendentalism is a major part of the foundation for much of America’s philosophy and arts. The transcendentalists believed in a universal, divine truth that exists in all people, therefore rendering it accessible to everyone. Likewise, they rejected the strictures of organized religion and instead sought a more universal spirituality.
Who are the Key Figures of Transcendentalism?
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne are considered the main key figures of Transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the founders of transcendentalism, although he never called himself a transcendentalist. He was deeply influenced by the philosopher Immanuel Kant’s ideas of individual autonomy and free will. This inspired him to pursue an idealistic philosophy of self-reliance and individual liberty. These concepts are pervasive in his many essays and published literature.
In his most famous work, “Self-Reliance”, he wrote: “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” Others, such as Margaret Fuller, seem to be strongly influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson. While she was very interested in the Transcendentalist movement, she never officially joined the Transcendentalists and in fact rejected that label. Regardless, she is often considered a transcendentalist writer only because she was associated with the group.
Who are the Key Figures of Dark Romanticism?
The key figures of dark romanticism are Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. They are core figures because their ideas and works have left an indelible mark on the literature of dark romanticism.The main ideas of the Dark Romantic Movement were given by the works of Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was these two who were very crucial to the development of the movement.
Works like “Cain”, by Byron and “Prometheus Unbound”, by Shelley were very influential in recording the movement’s concept of man versus nature and the opposition between God and man. An important element in the Dark Romantic Movement is its common theme of defiance against traditional Christian concepts and values. Lord Byron’s poem “Cain”, for example, focuses on the story of Cain who was an outcast by society because he killed his brother Abel .
How Do They Compare And Contrast Each Other?
Transcendentalism literature often “emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and nature” and often uses a style that evokes a sense of mystery. Dark Romanticism is more likely to emphasize suffering, sinfulness, or death with a style that evokes a sense of horror. Furthermore, Dark Romanticism was a reaction to the Enlightenment ideals of America (and the rest of the West). It focused on feelings and emotions rather than rationality. It was less focused on individualism, and more so on nature. Transcendentalism is also focused on nature but it is more focused on the individual self, their connection to God, and nature. They are both similar in that they both had a social reform component.
Conclusion on Transcendentalism Vs Dark Romanticism
The Transcendentalism movement is associated with the belief that man has an infinite spiritual capacity and therefore the eternal urge to progress. It also emphasizes natural beauty and a connection with nature. The Dark Romanticism movement, on the other hand, dwells on the darker aspects of life such as death and human depravity. The dark romantics believed that humans were basically evil and therefore did not have infinite abilities. Furthermore, transcendentalists and Romanticists can be distinguished from each other by their views on the human condition. The Transcendentalists were optimistic about their potential, while the Dark Romanticists were pessimistic.
FAQ’s on Transcendentalism Vs Dark Romanticism
Question 1.
What is Dark Romanticism?
Answer:
Dark Romanticism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It was characterized by a return to medievalism, nature worship, and a focus on death. Dark Romantic writers focused on questions of human identity and mortality. They also rejected social norms in order to create an individualist culture.
Question 2.
What is Transcendentalism?
Answer:
Transcendentalism is an American philosophical movement of the mid-19th century. It was based on the belief that mystical insights into human nature, society, and religion are inspired by our own inborn mental activity, rather than by supernatural beings or authoritative texts. The most important thinkers among transcendentalists were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Question 3.
What are the characteristics of Dark Romanticism?
Answer:
The Dark Romanticism movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment philosophies. The movement often expressed the idea that we live in a cold, dark world and we should appreciate nature and God’s creations because they are beautiful. This contrasts with Transcendentalism which celebrates progress and reason, teaching that man can be perfect. One of the most famous examples of a Dark Romantic work is Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.”
Question 4.
What are the characteristics of Transcendentalism?
Answer:
Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement that began in the 1800s as a reaction to Unitarianism and religious liberalism. The Transcendentalists were led by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who argued that the mind is an innate entity apart from material reality. They believed that people could discover universal truths through intuition and reason.