Post by kimb07 on May 19, 2008 18:23:48 GMT -5
Kimberly Berke
May 19, 2008
English 3H Period 7
Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism, a term that is broad and not easily defined, stems from the main idea that in order for people to obtain a clearer understanding of the world, they must create their own, personal acceptance and relationship with nature and the universe. The idea of transcendentalism, prevalent in the 1800's, placed a large emphasis on nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a well-known transcendentalist, writes that "the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind" (Emerson 9). Emerson stresses how Nature needs to be accepted as it is, which is the way a child appreciates nature, and it does not need to be manipulated as an adult would do. Emerson writes in his essay, "Nature", that "the sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood" (2). Thoreau, another influential transcendentalist, also discusses the importance of nature. In "Solitude", Thoreau writes that "the most sweet and tender, the most innocent and encouraging society may be found in any natural object". He discusses the importance of solitude, however, he explains that a person can actually find social connections in nature. Thoreau and Emerson's views and ideas regarding society, nature, religion, and other various aspects of life, sculpt the meaning and importance of transcendentalism.
One piece of artwork that is particularly effective in portraying the meaning of transcendentalism is Albert Bierstadt's painting, "Storm in the Rocky Mountains". This beautiful masterpiece expresses the idea and importance of nature. The different shades of light show that nature, which Emerson would relate to the human mind, is multifaceted. Emerson's theories about nature shine in this portrait, especially his idea that nature needs to be accepted as is. Many people may look at this picture and want to change it because it portrays a "storm", yet this storm is part of life and needs to be accepted. Another reason that this painting relates so well to transcendentalism is that it is extremely detailed. Transcendentalism is very complex with many different facets. The details that Bierstadt uses in his painting also show how everyone has their own perspective on nature and the universe because everyone looks at this painting differently. One person may look at this art as sad and upsetting due to the clouds and the lingering shadows, however, someone else may portray the sky as hopeful because of the beams of light shining through the dark valley.
May 19, 2008
English 3H Period 7
Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism, a term that is broad and not easily defined, stems from the main idea that in order for people to obtain a clearer understanding of the world, they must create their own, personal acceptance and relationship with nature and the universe. The idea of transcendentalism, prevalent in the 1800's, placed a large emphasis on nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a well-known transcendentalist, writes that "the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind" (Emerson 9). Emerson stresses how Nature needs to be accepted as it is, which is the way a child appreciates nature, and it does not need to be manipulated as an adult would do. Emerson writes in his essay, "Nature", that "the sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood" (2). Thoreau, another influential transcendentalist, also discusses the importance of nature. In "Solitude", Thoreau writes that "the most sweet and tender, the most innocent and encouraging society may be found in any natural object". He discusses the importance of solitude, however, he explains that a person can actually find social connections in nature. Thoreau and Emerson's views and ideas regarding society, nature, religion, and other various aspects of life, sculpt the meaning and importance of transcendentalism.
One piece of artwork that is particularly effective in portraying the meaning of transcendentalism is Albert Bierstadt's painting, "Storm in the Rocky Mountains". This beautiful masterpiece expresses the idea and importance of nature. The different shades of light show that nature, which Emerson would relate to the human mind, is multifaceted. Emerson's theories about nature shine in this portrait, especially his idea that nature needs to be accepted as is. Many people may look at this picture and want to change it because it portrays a "storm", yet this storm is part of life and needs to be accepted. Another reason that this painting relates so well to transcendentalism is that it is extremely detailed. Transcendentalism is very complex with many different facets. The details that Bierstadt uses in his painting also show how everyone has their own perspective on nature and the universe because everyone looks at this painting differently. One person may look at this art as sad and upsetting due to the clouds and the lingering shadows, however, someone else may portray the sky as hopeful because of the beams of light shining through the dark valley.