Annotated Bibliography of Transcendentalism in “Nature” PDF

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This is an annotated bibliography with 5 scholarly sources. It's about the theme of transcendentalism in Emerson's "Nature" essay...

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Joelle Osta Dr. Lishman ENGL 2131 14 Apr. 2019 Transcendentalism in Nature This research paper is about the theme of spirituality and Transcendentalism in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature essay. He discusses the importance of a non-traditional human relationship with nature and writes that the sublime or divinity is found within the study of nature. This is referred to as “Transcendentalism” which he explores deeper in his essay, as he writes about his personal experience and effects that nature had on his mind and body. Transcendentalism is the connection of one’s mind and body with the natural environment surrounding him and finding divinity and spirituality in nature. He continues that humans do not appreciate nature the way they should and they are not benefiting from all the gifts that nature has to offer, such as a distraction from the chaotic world or the spiritual guidance offered in nature rather than a church. Emerson continues to write that the solitude of a man in nature is all he needs to fully engage in the world and attract its goodness, whereas society destroys a man’s mind and does not allow for a deeper connection with the world surrounding him.

1. Fortuna, Agnese Maria. “Nature and the Transatlantic Idealism: The Sources of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Romantic Symbolism.” Vivens Homo, vol. 29, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 99– 123. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=rlh&AN=129694219&site=eds-live&scope=site

This article is about Emerson’s early Transcendentalist ideas derived from English and German Romantic philosophers and authors. Fortuna writes about Emerson’s introduction to this world of finding spirituality in nature and events that transpired in his life which drove him to choosing this lifestyle. The first chapter focuses on the tragic events in Emerson’s life, the first being is wife’s death and the second being his resignation from the ministry. He traveled Europe in search for a new life in health and serenity. He met his literary heroes which inspired his new lifestyle, and Fortuna focuses especially on Carlyle, the author who introduced Emerson to Transcendentalism.

2. “Ralph Waldo Emerson.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition, Jan. 2019, pp. 1–2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=khh&AN=134513232&site=eds-live&scope=site. The author introduces Emerson’s journey to this new way of living in nature and harmony and writes about Emerson’s trip to Europe and him meeting many authors which contributed to his transcendental lifestyle. The unknown author calls this a “firm belief in the mystical unity of nature.” Emerson also had a major influence on other authors who chose to pick up the Transcendentalist lifestyle, such as Henry David Thoreau.

3.

Parrish, Ann. “Ralph Waldo Emerson.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (9781429814423), Aug. 2017, pp. 1–3. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=ndh&AN=15316700&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Parrish’s biography on Ralph Waldo Emerson begins with his early life and leads into his adulthood. She writes about his wife’s death shaking his faith to the ground and his travels to Europe where he meets honorary literary authors who helped him in his search of a new philosophy to replace his old belief in God. He preferred to call this new philosophy “Idealism,” but “Transcendentalism” was the name adopted by his disciples and interpreters so he learned to accept it.

4. HEDDENDORF, DAVID. “What Is Emerson For?” Sewanee Review, vol. 124, no. 3, Summer 2016, pp. 482–488. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1353/sew.2016.0087. This text is focused on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Transcendentalism movement and how his theories of symbolism came about. Discussing Emerson’s solitude in nature and his intense intellectual thinking, Heddendorf writes that, “We often think of him as a phrasemaker whose essays touch casually on metaphysical and epistemological problems, drawing from time to time on a philosophical vocabulary.” He studied repeatedly the philosophies of Plato, Plotinus, Plutarch, and Montaigne which only increased his many burning questions about idealism. Heddendorf continues by writing about Emerson’s influence in American and British literary works and how they could be “reimagined as a vast multitude of voices.” 5. HEITMAN, DANNY. “Ralph Waldo Emerson.” Humanities , vol. 34, no. 3, May 2013, pp. 32–36. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=fth&AN=88132329&site=eds-live&scope=site. This is a biography by Danny Heitman who introduces Emerson’s personal life from childhood to adulthood. The article discusses Emerson and the history of critical studies

of his lifestyle, philosophies, works, and political and scholarly activism. Heitman also focuses on Emerson’s influence on other authors....