Question

Which is the best summary of Emerson’s view of solitude expressed in Society and Solitude?

Answer 1

In "Society and Solitude" by Henry David Thoreau, Emerson does not necessarily view solitude by itself as valuable, but sees it as significant within a larger community. He feels that there should be a healthy balance between society and solitude; that one must be independent, but also remain sympathetic of others.

Answer 2

Though solitude is not necessarily valuable in and of itself, it is important to recognize its significance within a larger community.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote "Society and Solitude" in 1870, championing individuality and critiquing the societal issues of his time. In this essay, he portrays the understanding of society and solitude.

The essay "Society and Solitude" starts with a poem that describes a man who left his social life to live among nature and be in solitude. In it, he viewed solitude as a source of strength, which may have seemed contradictory with social life. But Emerson argues that nature can also play an important role in helping individuals be more content with the society. Thus, though it may not necessarily valuable in itself or itself, it is also important to recognize its significance within a larger community.