Transcendentalism – a philosophical movement that occurred in the middle of the 19^th century (the 1800s) which influenced a great deal of writing of that time period.

Characteristics of Transcendentalism

·       Simplicity of life

·       A need to live in solitude

·       A lack of necessity of material items

·       A need to follow your own rules

·       More focus on the inner self

·       Relying solely on yourself and having the ability to think for   yourself

·       Breaking free from conformity

·       A strong sense of nature