In the 1600s, the United States of America was colonized by European countries, particularly England. However, on July 4, 1776, America became independent after writing the “Declaration of Independence” initiated by Thomas Jefferson [History of the United States, Wikipedia]. The difference between these two periods shows that Britain colonized America for approximately 176 years, which eventually led to the prosperity of European cultures. Even though America has become an independent nation, European culture continues to play its role. Therefore, American writers, namely Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, presented an idea about American identity. Emerson in The American Scholar and Thoreau in Walden represent the idea of ​​American identity by relating this concept to nature and individuality, but Emerson presents his idea of ​​American identity. in a clever way as Thoreau uses mockery to present his idea. Both Emerson and Thoreau linked the idea of ​​nature and individuality to represent an American identity. Well, the reason both authors mentioned nature and individuality is because they are transcendentalists. Ralph Waldo Emerson had first published a nonfiction essay titled Nature that sparked a movement called Transcendentalism (1840-1855) [American Literature Timeline, Honors American Literature]. This movement influenced many writers including Henry David Thoreau. Transcendentalism believed that individuality was affected by politics and religion. They also believed that God was reflected in nature. Emerson and Thoreau, both transcendentalists, had different ways of presenting their ideas of transcendentalism as it relates to American identity. Emer...... middle of paper ...... turn away from these cultures and create a unique American identity, two transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson in his literary work The American Scholar and Henry David Thoreau in Walden represent the idea of an American identity in relation to nature and individuality. However, Emerson cleverly presents his concept about American identity while Thoreau uses mockery to present his idea about American identity. Works Cited Chronology of American Literature. Retrieved from msbowman1290.com/Honors_Amlit-Timeline.pdfHistory of United States. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the-United_StatesEmerson, R.W. (1907). The American Scholar. In Essays. Retrieved from http://www. gutenberg.org/files/16643/16643-h/16643-h.htm Thoreau, H.D. (1854). Walden; or life in the woods. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/205/205-h/205-h.htm