Read this quote by henry david Thorea from Walden.
"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us even in our soundest sleep. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor."
Name one ideal that this quote demonstrates of Transcendentalism? How does this ideal compare or contrast with gothic romanticism? (Be sure to give an example from your readings of poe or Hawthorne.)
One ideal that this quote demonstrates of Transcendentalism is the belief in the inherent goodness and potential of humanity. Thoreau emphasizes the ability of individuals to elevate their lives through conscious effort, suggesting that human beings have the power to awaken and keep themselves awake, even without relying on external aids.
This ideal contrasts with Gothic Romanticism, which often portrays human beings as inherently flawed and subject to dark and uncontrollable forces. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter," for example, the character of Hester Prynne is depicted as a sinner who faces public shame and punishment for her sin. The dark, gloomy atmosphere of the story and the overall portrayal of human nature as sinful and tragic align with the Gothic Romanticism tendencies.
In Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator is tormented by guilt and paranoia following the murder of an old man. The story delves into the dark recesses of the human mind, highlighting the irrationality and instability of the narrator's psyche. This exploration of the darker side of human nature is also in line with the Gothic Romanticism genre.
Overall, this quote by Thoreau captures the optimistic and hopeful attitude of Transcendentalism, emphasizing the potential for human beings to better themselves through conscious effort, while contrasting with the darker and more pessimistic themes often found in Gothic Romanticism.