The divergence between Romanticism and Transcendentalism stems from differing perspectives on the source of truth and the nature of experience. Romanticism, a broader movement, emphasized emotion, imagination, and the individual’s subjective experience as primary sources of understanding. It often idealized nature as a powerful and awe-inspiring force, but did not necessarily view it as inherently divine. An example of Romantic literature is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which explores the sublime power of nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Transcendentalism, arising from Romanticism, further posited that inherent goodness resides in both people and nature. It held that intuition and the individual conscience are superior to empirical reason and societal norms in guiding one’s path. Transcendentalists believed individuals could transcend the limitations of sensory experience and attain profound spiritual insights through direct communion with nature and self-reflection. This philosophical approach offered an alternative to established religious and societal structures, emphasizing self-reliance and individual spiritual growth. Its historical context lies in a reaction against 18th-century rationalism and the Unitarian church.
