Transcendence & Transgression in Literature, Culture & Media edited by Subir Dhar, Monikinkini Basu and Debdatta Mitra

In simple terms, transgression is the violation of a particular religious, social, or moral law or simply breaking rules. Through the ages, transgression has acted as a counter-force wherever taboo and forbidden actions have come to play. While religious transgression mostly leads to sinful acts and downfall of characters, disobedience and transgression of social rules have always led to the disruption of moral values, ultimately resulting in one’s fall.

Humans have always been controlled by a set of rules that define the boundaries of experimentation and knowledge. However, the act of transgressing such boundaries has also enabled one to overcome the socio-cultural constraints, though the process is one of great hardship. Conventionally, the idea of transgression is used as a tool to propagate a moral message that seeks to reward good behaviour in compliance with social values while punishing the transgressor. Icarus, in excitement, forgets about his man-made wax wings and meets his end and Little Red Riding Hood’s horrible fate as she disregards her mother’s constant warnings of wandering alone in the forest are only a few examples that show how transgression leads to ruin. But, with the flow of time, transgression has gathered meanings and significations that go beyond acts of disobedience or infringement of social norms. In many ways, acts of transgression subvert the entrenched narratives or challenge the established structure/order, something that is so commonly found in the Gothic.

Derived from the Latin, transcendence refers to going beyond the usual, the willingness to rise above commonplace, at the metaphysical or spiritual level. One is never content with what one has and is therefore, always eager to search for more. Transcendence, in a way, expresses this thirst, dissatisfaction, unrest, and the curiosity within man. The same curiosity and unrest might lead to an act of transgression. As a result, what seems outrageously transgressive in certain ways, can gradually transcend the barriers of reality or the normative to enter into the realms of higher existence. In that case, what can be considered as transgressive, and what as transcendence?
Derived from the Latin, transcendence refers to going beyond the usual, the willingness to rise above the commonplace, particularly at the metaphysical or spiritual level. It embodies the human desire to surpass ordinary experience and limitations, reaching toward something greater, more profound, or more meaningful. One is never truly content with what one has and is therefore always eager to search for more—more knowledge, more understanding, more purpose. Transcendence, in a way, expresses this inherent thirst, dissatisfaction, unrest, and curiosity within man. It is this restless spirit that drives individuals to explore beyond the tangible and immediate, seeking truths that lie beyond the physical world.

Interestingly, this same curiosity and unrest that fuels transcendence can also lead to acts of transgression. Transgression involves crossing boundaries, breaking rules, or defying norms, often provoking discomfort or outrage in society. However, what initially appears as outrageously transgressive may, over time, transcend the barriers of reality or the normative frameworks that once constrained it. Such acts or ideas can evolve to enter into the realms of higher existence or understanding, challenging and ultimately reshaping accepted paradigms. This dynamic interplay raises a profound question: where do we draw the line between what is transgressive and what is transcendence? When does defiance of norms become a necessary step toward spiritual or intellectual elevation, rather than mere rebellion?

In conclusion, the concepts of transcendence and transgression are deeply intertwined, reflecting the complex nature of human aspiration and growth. While transgression often challenges existing boundaries and provokes discomfort, it can also serve as a catalyst for transcendence, pushing individuals and societies to evolve beyond their current limitations. Ultimately, the distinction between the two depends on perspective and context—what is considered transgressive in one era or culture may later be recognized as a vital step toward higher understanding and spiritual advancement. This fluid boundary invites us to reconsider our judgments about norm-breaking acts and to appreciate the transformative potential embedded within the restless human spirit.

Professor Subir Dhar
Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Sister Nivedita University