Final Answer:
a. The transcendental movement is uniquely American because it emphasized a connection with nature and individualism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transcendental movement is uniquely American due to its emphasis on values that are deeply rooted in the American cultural and philosophical landscape. Option (a) correctly identifies the key aspects that make transcendentalism distinctly American.
Transcendentalists, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, championed the idea of a profound connection with nature, celebrating the American wilderness as a source of spiritual insight and renewal. Additionally, they promoted individualism, encouraging people to trust their inner selves and intuition rather than conforming to societal expectations.
This movement emerged as a reaction against rigid religious doctrines and the constraints of societal norms, making it a distinctly American response to the changing cultural and intellectual climate of the 19th century. The American transcendentalists sought to forge a unique identity for American literature and philosophy, distinct from European influences.
While European philosophy may have played a role in shaping some intellectual currents, the transcendentalists deliberately crafted a movement that reflected the values and experiences of the American people.
In summary, the transcendental movement is uniquely American because it encapsulates a distinctly American worldview that prioritizes a connection with nature and celebrates individualism, contributing to the development of a national literary and philosophical identity.
So correct option is a. The transcendental movement is uniquely American because it emphasized a connection with nature and individualism.