Question

Closely read the excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay, "Self-reliance". Then write a well-developed, text-based paragraph response. Identify a central idea or thematic message in the text and analyse how Emerson's use of one writing strategy (literary element, technique, or rhetorical device) helps to develop this central idea or thematic message. The response should be written in the 3rd person, contain clear and organised ideas, and include strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis. Your response must also maintain a formal style of writing and follow the conventions of standard English. ​

Answer 1

Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance' emphasizes individuality and nonconformity, employing rhetorical strategies like aphorism and paradox to develop these themes. His critique of mass conformity and advocacy of self-reliance have significantly influenced American cultural and intellectual thought.

Step-by-step explanation:

An analysis of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay, "Self-Reliance," reveals a central idea or thematic message of individuality and nonconformity. Emerson uses various rhetorical strategies to develop this theme, including aphorism and paradox. For example, the aphorism "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist" succinctly captures the essence of Emerson's argument for the importance of personal integrity and the rejection of collective standards.

Furthermore, the use of paradox in statements such as "To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, — that is genius" challenges conventional thinking and prompts readers to reflect on the nature of truth and genius. These rhetorical devices effectively underscore Emerson's belief in the innate capacity of individuals to comprehend the profound truths of existence without reliance on societal norms.

Emerson's ideals have had a lasting impact on American society, influencing a variety of thinkers, writers, and poets. A critique of mass conformity and an endorsement of self-reliance are recurrent themes not only in "Self-Reliance" but throughout his other works as well. The essay operates not just as a manifesto for individualism but also as a critique against the prevailing sentiments of the time, offering alternative perceptions about the interplay between the individual and society.

By dissecting his essay and identifying key rhetorical elements, one can appreciate the elaborate ways in which Emerson communicates his philosophies and their resonance with contemporary notions of American identity and freedom.