What is a key characteristic of Transcendentalist literature?

Transcendentalist literature is fundamentally characterized by an emphasis on individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people. This philosophical movement originated in the 1830s and 1840s in America, with figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau at its forefront. At the core of Transcendentalism is the belief that individuals can transcend the physical world and connect with a deeper, spiritual truth through intuition. This intuition is seen as a pathway to understanding one's own goodness and the moral fabric of the universe.

Transcendentalists advocate for self-reliance, individualism, and a deep connection with nature, viewing these elements as essential for personal and societal growth. They often argue that societal institutions and conventional religion can inhibit true understanding and personal development. Therefore, their works frequently encourage readers to trust their inner voice and seek truth through personal experience rather than through external authority.

Other options, while notable themes in certain literary movements or contexts, do not align with the core tenets of Transcendentalist thought. For instance, the emphasis on industrial progress contradicts the Transcendentalists' critique of materialism and urbanization that they believed distracted from spiritual growth. Similarly, a focus on collective society