How did transcendentalism affect Herman Melville?

Answer 1

was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet. He is best known for his novelMoby-Dick and the posthumous novella Billy Budd. His first three books gained much contemporary attention (the first, Typee, becoming a bestseller), but after a fast-blooming literary success in the late 1840s, his popularity declined precipitously in the mid-1850s and never recovered during his lifetime. When he died in 1891, he was almost completely forgotten. It was not until the "Melville Revival" in the early 20th century that his work won recognition, especially Moby-Dick, which was hailed as one of the literary masterpieces of both American and world literature. He was the first writer to have his works collected and published by the Library of America.

Answer 2

Transcendentalism influenced Herman Melville's writing by inspiring his exploration of individualism, nature, and spiritual themes in works such as "Moby-Dick." However, Melville ultimately critiqued transcendental ideology by portraying the darker aspects of human nature and society in his works. This tension between embracing and challenging transcendentalist beliefs is a key aspect of Melville's literary contributions.

Answer 3

Yes, he is.