Transcendentalism

Eustace Conway was not a transcendentalist. He shared many transcendentalist views, but he was searching to achieve a different purpose. Eustace may have had an extreme reverence for nature, but his perception was not the lofty spiritual sort of take the transcendentalists had on it. Yes, he understood that nature was perfect with everything in its place, but he didn't care to ponder its higher meaning. He was utilizing it, both to achieve his goals and to survive. He was at a more gruesome, basic level than the transcendentalists, though he was a spiritual being. Additionally, Eustace Conway lacked the focus on the individual. He wished that society were different, but he longed to be a part of it. His pining after his father's affections, as well as the love of a female mate reflect how his actions were based on things other than self-gratification. If he were not so focused on pleasing his father, he may not have excelled at so many achievements.

I think that Gilbert sees Eustace as more of a pioneer than a transcendentalist. She saw him as someone who wanted to ensure that the wilderness survived, but he was also there to take advantage of its resources and survive using only the skills so that he could accomplish what he needed himself. Instead of finding spiritual truth, Eustace was looking for personal betterment through physical deeds and risky adventures. I agree with this.