Essay On Transcendentalism

Tucker Caliban: A True Transcendentalist

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement centered around the limitless potential of the human race to determine its own fate, the self-reliance an individual must attain, and the spiritual essence of individualism. In the novel, A Different Drummer by William Melvin Kelley, the main character, Tucker Caliban, embodies a true transcendentalist by manipulating every aspect of his life in order to achieve what he aspires, having a humble confidence in his abilities and what matters most to him, and revolting against civil unity to attain individuality.

In the novel Walden or Life in the Woods, Henry David Thoreau writes in the chapter titled Conclusion, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” This idea of Transcendentalism states that nothing can bring more satisfaction to an individual than the triumph of his or her own principles. Principles which must be achieved through confidence in one’s abilities, as shown when Tucker remarks, “Im fighting all my battles myself. . . . and either I beat them or they beat me” (111). Tucker yearns to achieve freedom, not by relying on fate, nor anticipating that others will earn it for him, but by possessing confidence in his skills and using that courage as a triumph to overcome life’s greatest obstacles. When referring to Tucker, Bethrah remarks, “But Tucker, he just knows what he has to do. He doesn't think about it; he just knows” (114). Tucker takes pride in his abilities, therefore, he does not hesitate to act upon his instincts. He confidently dominates the intellectual aspect of his life, which allows him to...

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...unconscious of his society degrade his way of thinking, by relying on individuality and solitude to achieve what he greatly desires. In addition, Tucker emphasizes his uniqueness by saying, “It don't matter if I'm wrong. I got to do it, even if it’s all wrong. If I don't do it, ain’t none of these things going to stop me” (186). Though his actions may cause concern and uneasiness among those around him, the demeanor of Tucker regards his well-being and what he believes to be morally correct.

In the novel, A Different Drummer by William Melvin Kelley, the main character, Tucker Caliban, embodies many virtues set forth in Transcendentalism. The philosophy defined by the individual and his power to achieve anything he truly aspires, using self-reliance as the stepping stones to better his future, and accomplishing individualism by disregarding collective thinking.