Nathaniel Hawthorne and Transcendentalism

The Flourishing of American Literature

Nathaniel Hawthorne and Transcendentalism

During the 1830s and 1840s, the frontier of American society moved westward, prompting writers such as Brackenridge and Cooper to find inspiration in the Western frontier for their literary works and American life. During this period, Boston and its surrounding towns and villages buzzed with intellectual fervour and energy. Education was no longer limited to Harvard in nearby Cambridge; other institutions also demonstrated a strong commitment to learning. The influential North American Review, established by Harvard professor Edward Channing in 1818, actively disseminated ideas, although it had become somewhat conservative by this time. Beginning in 1826, itinerant speakers have disseminated insights on culture and science to urban areas as well as the rural landscapes of New England. The establishment of entities such as the Useful Knowledge Society, Natural History Society, and the Mercantile Library Association played a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of regular attendance at lectures among numerous residents in New England. The younger generation engaged in extensive discussions about the emergence of a 'new Spiritual era.' Dissatisfied with conventional patriotism, the young intellectuals in Boston were uninterested in America's power and wealth, instead seeking a deeper exploration of the inner life. They examined the philosophers from Greece, Germany, and India. Several individuals documented their experiences and emotions in personal journals, while some embraced vegetarianism or nudism. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Transcendentalism is an idealistic idea in New England based on the fundamental unity of all creation, the innate goodness of humanity, and the belief in the superiority of inner experience over external circumstances. They saw both religions as "negative, cold, lifeless".  While they held Christ in high regard for the wisdom conveyed in his teachings, they considered the works of Shakespeare and renowned philosophers to be equally significant. The Transcendentalists tried to find the truth through feeling and intuition rather than through logic. They regarded nature as their "guiding scripture" in numerous aspects. The significance of birds, clouds, trees, and snow held a special meaning for them, forming a unique language through these natural images. Transcendentalists were split into two factions: one focused on societal change, and the other, exemplified by figures such as Emerson and Thoreau, prioritized individual concerns. In 1837, Emerson delivered a renowned address at Harvard University titled "The American Scholar." In this speech, he criticized the sway of tradition and the past while advocating for a fresh wave of American ingenuity. According to Emerson, the term "scholar" did not denote someone steeped in conventional book knowledge but rather an individual with original thinking abilities. Such a person understood themselves through intuition and the exploration of nature, not merely through the study of written works. He revised Self-Reliance (1841), which stands out as one of the most renowned lectures/essays and continues to be extensively studied in American high schools today.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

He criticized the Transcendentalists for overlooking the uncertainties that cast shadows over the world. His story "Celestial Railroad" (1843) is a satirical take on Christian, the protagonist from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." Hawthorne consistently explores the theme of individuals within societal contexts rather than focusing solely on the depiction of individuals in natural settings. His characters often harbour concealed feelings of guilt or personal issues that set them apart from others. These individuals grapple with emotions such as pride, envy, or a longing for revenge. Hawthorne's fascination with the darker aspects of the human psyche leads him to craft narratives reminiscent of the Gothic novel tradition. Hawthorne meticulously delves into the psychology of his characters in his initial novel, Fanshawe (1828), where themes of isolation and futility take centre stage. The narrative revolves around a young prodigy who passes away prior to achieving a monumental artistic feat. Attempting to emulate the prevalent Gothic fiction of the era, the novel is regarded by Hawthorne as a disappointment. Hawthorne's best work usually has a strong feeling for the Puritan past of seventeenth-century New England. This is the setting of The Scarlet Letter (1850), considered his masterpiece.