Difference Between Romanticism and Transcendentalism

Romanticism vs Transcendentalism

Romanticism and transcendentalism are closely related. However, there are certain concepts that are emphasized in both. These may be views on a person’s individuality, nature, philosophies, or spirituality.

Romanticism started in Europe during the 18th century. It is an artistic, intellectual, and literary movement that shaped the start of the Industrial Revolution. The movement emphasized an aesthetic experience identifying new emotions as anxiety, awe, terror, and horror.

Transcendentalism also started during this period. The term is coined from “transcendental” philosophy by Immanuel Kant. The transcendentalists have a strong faith in the power of divinity, nature, and individualism. However, these beliefs are relative to that of the romantics. Moreover, the transcendentalists believe that God is the center of the universe and respect should be given to Him. Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of the most popular transcendentalists even to now. He believes that wisdom and self-realization are the keys for growth. This concept also relates with good and bad. The lack of self growth and terror amongst fellows generates evil, and happiness and generosity are the good results of an act. Romantics believed in this concept as well; however, they likely stressed the power of good in preventing evil.

Romanticism and transcendentalism have always been a literary movement appreciated in both American and British literature. It may have been forgotten due to the expansion of contemporary ideas and modernism. Both movements draw inspiration from something beyond the ordinary or something external from a human perception. This made it very popular during the second half of the 18th century.

Romanticism embraces aesthetic categories like arts, literature, and music. However, we can’t deny that much of the romantics drew inspiration from the classic ideal models. They also explored the ideas of exquisiteness, the weird and exotic, and laid it on their craft (writing or painting). In contrary, the transcendentalists believe in a philosophy of refinement but still connects to sensual motives. Transcendentalism also pertains to the ground of religion, inner spirituality, and the essence of man in upholding nature as a sanctuary.

Summary:

1.Romanticism educes strong emotions and exemplifies significant events. Romanticism is not about soft music, candlelit dinners, or fine dining. It is about a strong motivational force that focuses on patriotism, loyalty, and allegiance. Transcendentalism is the power of knowledge to transcend intellectual growth and spirituality. It also highlights the power of divinity, nature, and individualism.
2.Romanticism exemplifies the importance of emotions and freedom over intellectual growth. They believe that everyone should follow what they’re feeling. Transcendentalism draws inspiration from the beyond or external to the human perspective even beyond reasoning and normal traditions.
3.Romanticism doesn’t heavily emphasize the power of God as the center of the universe; however, transcendentalism strongly believes in God, divination, and the truth of miracles.
4.As a literary movement, romanticism initiates a positive voice on their works. Take heed to the literary masterpieces of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Transcendentalism literature is very sensible and creates an exaggeration on good vs. evil. Ralph Waldo Emerson is one the famous transcendentalists up to now.

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