Final answer:
The key theme in "Transcendental Wild Oats" is transcendentalism and its application in utopian communities, highlighting the tension between individualism and social conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme prominently explored in the work "Transcendental Wild Oats" revolves around the concepts of transcendentalism, utopian communities, and the challenges and dynamics that arise when individuals with transcendentalist ideals try to implement a utopian society.
The character of these communities is influenced strongly by transcendental beliefs which promote the dignity of the individual, freedom, optimism, and self-reliance. The narrative often reflects the tension between these lofty ideals and the practical realities of communal living. This dichotomy casts light on deeper philosophical questions about the balance between individualism and social responsibility.