Transcendentalism, a 19th-century movement, emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature. Transcendentalists believed that society and its institutions, particularly organized religion and political parties, ultimately corrupted the purity of the individual. Individualism, a core tenet of Transcendentalism, stresses the importance of self-reliance, independent thought, and the unique value of each person.
Practice questions about Transcendentalism and Individualism often explore themes of nonconformity, intuition, and the relationship between the individual and society. Analyzing excerpts from authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau is crucial for success on the AP Literature exam.
Match the term with its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Intuition | A. The doctrine that knowledge is only derived from sensory experience |
| 2. Nonconformity | B. Belief in the inherent goodness of people and nature |
| 3. Transcendentalism | C. Acting independently and refusing to obey laws one considers unjust |
| 4. Empiricism | D. The power of obtaining knowledge without conscious reasoning |
| 5. Civil Disobedience | E. Failure or refusal to follow accepted practices |
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the list: self-reliance, oversoul, nature, individualism, society
Transcendentalists highly valued __________, emphasizing the importance of the individual over __________. They believed that direct contact with __________ allowed individuals to connect with the __________, a universal and benign omnipresence. A key aspect of their philosophy was __________ which dictated that people should be independent thinkers.
In "Self-Reliance," Emerson writes, "To be great is to be misunderstood." Explain this quote in the context of Transcendentalism and Individualism. Provide examples of how this idea manifests in literature.
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