Dark Romanticism/Transcendentalism/AntiTranscendentalism

By Kyle Douglass and Jessica Galvin

Transcendentalism was basically an idealism movement in the early-mid 1800s. This viewpoint considered mankind to be morale, with each person having their own light It stressed thinking, intuition and learning, but in a less rational, more instinctive way. Some well-educated authors used this philosophy to challenge the current ways of thinking. Transcendentalism was not a religion, rather it attempted to define religion. Nature was like its own power, enigmatic and spiritual.

Transcendentalism

Some notable works of Transcendentalism; Emily Dickinson wrote about her feelings towards nature. At the time, women couldnt publish so her writings were posthumous released, nevertheless she remains one of the most famous female poets.

Transcendentalism EXAMPLES

While transcendentalists were optimists, Antitranscendentalists were pessimists. They believed humans were initially sinful, and that goodness needed to be strived for. In this way they shared some Machiavellian beliefs. In the Anti-transcendentalists eyes, evil was constantly there getting people to do erroneous deeds, like the devil. They were strongly opposed to transcendentalist ways, believing them to be unrealistic and nave. This is not to say that none of them believe in human ethics, rather they dont count on them. The anti-transcendentalists also believe nature was its own force, however they did not think it was as benevolent as their positive counterparts.

Anti-Transcendentalism

Notable Anti-Transcendentalist Herman Melville was one of the best known authors of this movement. His most famous novel, Moby Dick, sometimes referred to as The White Whale, is especially popular.

Anti-Transcendentalism Examples

Dark romanticism was like transcendentalism, in a much less positive fashion. Edgar Allen Poe, and Nathaniel Hawthorn wrote in this way. Evil triumphing good and the supernatural, were recurring themes in these types of books. Even today there is literature with dark romanticism elements especially in the new category at Barnes & Nobel Paranormal Teen Fiction, which includes popular series such as Twilight.

Dark Romanticism

Stephanie Meyers works are similar to the dark romanticism written in the 19th-20th century. Paranormal elements are a strong part of the Twilight series even though it is not especially dark. Edgar Allen Poes works are quite fitting under this category. His stories tell of sad people in even sadder consequences. Romance between humans and supernatural creatures (such as succubae and werewolves) is an increasing attraction in todays media. Teens and young adults eat this stuff up. It even changes the way we think of mystical monsters. A long time ago when people thought of vampires they almost always thought of hideous bloodthirsty abominations. Today we might think of the suave ,adroit ,attractive (even sparkly) teenagers that fantasy-lovers dream of.

People wrote in these ways to challenge authority, inspire philosophy, and encourage new ideas. Some may have just written for fun though.

Works Cited

Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 4: American Transcendentalism: A Brief Introduction." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. URL: http://www.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap4/4intro.html Perkins, George B., Barbara Perkins, and Phillip Leininger. Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia of American Literature. New York, NY: HarperCollinsPublishers, 1991. 1060-061. Web. 29 Aug. 2011. "Dark romanticism." New World Encyclopedia. 11 Jul 2011, 02:55 UTC. 31 Aug 2011, 13:34 <http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Dark_romanticism?oldi d=952533>. St. Armand, Barton Leui, and Harold Bloom, The Mysteries of Edgar Poe: The Quest for a Monomyth in Gothic Literature. Blooms Modern Critical Interpretations: The Tales of Poe (1978): 25-54. Literary Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 30 Aug. 2011.

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