Lydia Emerson Transcendentalist Essay

“Shun the sick, despise the unintellectual, refuse all sympathy to the sorrowful.” These were a just a few arguments Lydia Emerson makes in her response to transcendentalist ideas within the “Transcendental Bible”. Beginning with actual Transcendental views, the essay increasingly transforms into an incredibly satirical piece of literature. While Emerson did consider herself a transcendentalist, she composed this piece to emphasize the problems with this newly emerging set of beliefs.
The “Bible” took the mentalities against scientific rationalism and pointed out each of their flaws. She facetiously would state a principle of transcendentalism and then rationalize the belief in a way that would make it appear ridiculous to the reader. To trick the reader she transitioned to her sarcasm tone gradually, most likely in an effort to captivate interest in those that agree with transcendentalist philosophies as well as those criticizing them. By the time Emerson is advising the readers to “loathe and shun the sick. They are in bad taste, and may untune us for writing the poem floating through our mind.” it is apparent that she is composing to ridicule not promote these concepts.
Lydia Emerson used direct clashing of thoughts, words, and actions to jab at this new philosophical movement; portraying those believing in Transcendentalism as hypocrites. They may not condone happiness, but still appreciate the finer things in life such as nice clothes, delicious food, and a refreshing walk; don’t care if a higher being decides their fate, yet hire a tailor make their clothing. The self-reliance value instilled in the works of transcendentalists is portrayed in the “bible’ as seemingly selfish. Trusting yourself and putting yourself above others doesn’t sound nearly as pleasant in Lydia’s piece as in her husband’s (Ralph Waldo Emerson) essay “Self-Reliance”. Mr. Emerson believed that the individual must avoid false consistency and conformity, and instead follow his or her own instincts. That mindset seems innocent enough, until one reads his wife’s interpretation.
Interestingly enough, Lydia Emerson also followed transcendentalist beliefs to an extent, though she seemed to be able to have an open mind and admit and reveal the faults prevalent in the philosophy. This essay changed my entire outlook on “Self-Reliance” and “The Over-soul”, as at first Ralph Waldo Emerson’s works seemed ideal. The “Transcendental Bible” seemed to only highlight the negatives of her husband’s essays, making them lose some of their initial appeal and legitimacy. Lydia Emerson’s satire completely molded my perceptions of any transcendental thought, twisting my former indifference into disgust at the thought of such hypocrisy” and terrible virtues.
Ralph Emerson was able to laugh and speak fondly of Lydia Emerson’s “Transcendental Bible”, which is surprising as she used the essay as a mean to poke fun of everything she and her husband believed in. The thought provoking and sarcastic comments about the negative aspects of perfection strived for in American literature succeed in showcasing the down sides of Transcendental movement.