Post by dominiquegillyard02 on May 20, 2008 9:52:17 GMT -5
Dominique Gillyard
Period 2, English III Hons
Transcendentalism, in its simplest form, represents a movement away from the constricting regulations of civilization as it encourages continuous philosophical rebirth of the mind and spirit. However, the true definition of transcendentalism stems from the purpose of this movement as it asserts that through the transcendence of the individual beyond the limitations of society and self, one is enabled to understand and abide by their true nature, thus creating an original relationship with it. Emerson, in his collection of essays entitled Nature, promotes this intricate relationship between man and nature as in his belief that “every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind,” he is able to convey the fact that the individual should not be governed by any force other than that of pure nature which lies, often dormant, within all men until we embrace it (Emerson 1). Also, Thoreau, in his collection of essays Walden, emphasizes the importance of the individual’s break with society in order to truly appreciate nature as he maintains that “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately… 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 172). Through this assertion, Thoreau exhibits how the relationship with nature that results form the individual’s complete acceptance of himself is essential to transcend beyond the influence of others and truly live a life of inner fulfillment.
R. W. Weir, in his painting View From West Point beautifully exhibits the relationship between man and nature that transcendentalism entails. This painting, completed from the view of West Point Military Academy, shows the beauty of nature that lies beyond the sphere of human influence. In turn, it is comes to represent how the individual must transcend from the strict influence that society holds over humanity in order to fully appreciate nature. Not only this, but the fact that this painting, which so vividly exhibits a true comprehension of nature, was done from within societal confines also retains grand importance as the ultimate goal of transcendentalism is for the individual to be able to retain their own original relationship with nature, even within society. The painting clearly demonstrates that despite the influence of society, Weir was able to maintain a pure and uncompromised perception of nature, making the piece a true transcendental work.
*The works Nature, Walden, as well as View from West Point should all be italicized or underlined, but the message board won't let me*
web.archive.org/web/20070809184925/dfl.highlands.com/DFL_Painters/963.html
Period 2, English III Hons
Transcendentalism, in its simplest form, represents a movement away from the constricting regulations of civilization as it encourages continuous philosophical rebirth of the mind and spirit. However, the true definition of transcendentalism stems from the purpose of this movement as it asserts that through the transcendence of the individual beyond the limitations of society and self, one is enabled to understand and abide by their true nature, thus creating an original relationship with it. Emerson, in his collection of essays entitled Nature, promotes this intricate relationship between man and nature as in his belief that “every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind,” he is able to convey the fact that the individual should not be governed by any force other than that of pure nature which lies, often dormant, within all men until we embrace it (Emerson 1). Also, Thoreau, in his collection of essays Walden, emphasizes the importance of the individual’s break with society in order to truly appreciate nature as he maintains that “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately… 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 172). Through this assertion, Thoreau exhibits how the relationship with nature that results form the individual’s complete acceptance of himself is essential to transcend beyond the influence of others and truly live a life of inner fulfillment.
R. W. Weir, in his painting View From West Point beautifully exhibits the relationship between man and nature that transcendentalism entails. This painting, completed from the view of West Point Military Academy, shows the beauty of nature that lies beyond the sphere of human influence. In turn, it is comes to represent how the individual must transcend from the strict influence that society holds over humanity in order to fully appreciate nature. Not only this, but the fact that this painting, which so vividly exhibits a true comprehension of nature, was done from within societal confines also retains grand importance as the ultimate goal of transcendentalism is for the individual to be able to retain their own original relationship with nature, even within society. The painting clearly demonstrates that despite the influence of society, Weir was able to maintain a pure and uncompromised perception of nature, making the piece a true transcendental work.
*The works Nature, Walden, as well as View from West Point should all be italicized or underlined, but the message board won't let me*
web.archive.org/web/20070809184925/dfl.highlands.com/DFL_Painters/963.html