Buehler Eng 227
bn083083
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When looking back on American literature over the last 400 years there is a list of some of the most influencial writers. Emerson is without a doubt near the top of that list. He was a front runner in American Trancendilist movement. A movement was at times went against the main stream. He spoke out against mainstream religion and fought for abolition of slavery.
Transcendentalism in New England; a history
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To understand Emerson we need to first understand his motivation. Emerson is one of the most renowned American Transcendentalist. Transcendentalism had its start in Germany with a philospher by the name of Kant. With this Emerson drew much of his social and religious views. Later on the other essays will describe more for Emersons grasp onto Transcendentalism, but Emerson took hold and became a leader in the New England movement. By definition transcendentalism finds roots in its religious views in the human spirituality. This idea went against the church attending staple of American culture that was this time in American history. A time were one's spirituality was found in a regular attendance to church. On the social front Transcendentalists were historically anti slavery. In the other countries of foundation this was not a large issue. Given the time of jump to America slavery was a hot issue with some of the leading speakers for transcendentalism being strongly against slavery.
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Emerson was born in Boston in 1803. He was born into a long line of Clergymen dating back to the puritan times. He attended Harvard in 1817 were he would get some of his early influences. He marries in 1829 but his wife dies only 2 years later in 1831. It is believed that the death of his wife and son soon after led to his ultimate resignation from the pulpit in 1832. Within the next few years Emerson looks into and starts to take up Transcendentalism. The loss of so much close and dear to Emerson is believed to have caused his refutation of standard religions and take up more of a spiritual life of transcendentalism. From here Emerson released many of his essays and poems that made him famous. As the rise of the abolitionist movement prior to the civil war Emerson among other began to speak out against slavery.
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Life of Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Buehler Eng 227
bn083083
221
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The complete works of Ralph Waldo Emerson : with a biographical introduction and notes
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Emerson goes to his guns in his writings discussing the importance of self discovery through thought and insight. Emerson even makes a reference to all men being equal through metaphysical discoveries. "all men are, in respect to this source of truth, on a certain footing of equality, equal in original science, though against appearance". He goes on to discuss the "instinct" that is humans connection with god. "We ought to know the way to our nectar." This collection of writings is the most diverse in Emerson's collection to really give insight into Emerson's personal beliefs.
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Representative men: seven lectures
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Emerson lectured on the archetypes of mankind and the need to diversify. He begins with Plato and discusses the Philosopher from this time forward the reflection on Plato and his works. From there Emerson discusses the Mystic, the Skeptic, The Poet, The Man of the World, and the Writer. These archetypes go hand in hand with the essay of self reliance and not being just a sheep. The need in society for the differences in personality. It is evident from the choices of archetypes transcendentalist favored thinkers and self discovery through thought.
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The essay on self-reliance
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Emerson strikes a note about the American people with his essay on self-reliance. He discusses the need to be "self-reliant" (never would have guessed from the title) and how so many people are unable to be unique and an individual rather than conform with the rest of the population. Emerson questions why is it that as we get older we let go of that inner fire that makes unique and curious individuals. He questions why must Americans pull influence from abroad instead of creating our own influences to share. Self reliance strikes a chord in America and overall asks the question "Why?"
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Emerson and Abolition: The Silent Years, 1837-1844
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Slavery is one of the most controversial issues in American history, no one can argue any different. Emerson took a view that was controversial and opposite of mainstream America at the time. Emerson was bitterly opposed slavery, and was pro abolitionist movements. His views as a transcendentalist backed this view of anti slavery as all man were truly equal in a makers eyes.
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Emerson was and still is one of the most influential writers, philosphers and social activist in American history. Emerson led the Transcendentalist push in America, a counter movement to the main stream America. He stood against slavery and supported the abolitionist movement. Coming from a long line of pastors Emerson denounced mainstream religion with his adoption of Transcendentalism. That being said he still captured the feeling of America with his essay such as self-reliance and Nature.