Final answer:
Ralph Waldo Emerson appeals to the audience's emotions and values in the introduction of 'from nature' through his use of romantic language and transcendentalist philosophy. He champions individuality and the spiritual fulfillment found in nature, contrasting with societal conformity and materialism. His rhetoric has left a lasting influence on American culture and environmental thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "from nature", he deftly employs rhetorical strategies to appeal to the audience's emotions and values. The introduction of "Nature" by Emerson utilizes a romantic, almost poetic tone to captivate readers and encourage a deep emotional connection with the natural world. Emerson's philosophy of transcendentalism suggests that finding spirituality in nature is imperative and contrasts this with the materialistic and conformist society.
He uses bold statements like 'Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist' to valorize individuality and freedom of thought, thus resonating with the audience's yearning for authenticity and self-reliance. This approach aligns with the romantic era's emphasis on emotion and individual experience over societal norms. Furthermore, by promoting the ideal of returning to nature for true spirituality, he echoes and reinforces the values of those feeling disconnected from the industrializing society. Emerson's work is seminal in the development of American thought, influencing a range of social and cultural movements while advocating for individuality, creativity, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
Emerson's influence on American society was substantial, affecting not only literature but also cultural norms and environmental consciousness. His ideas dovetailed with those of contemporaries like Alexis de Tocqueville and later influenced writers like Thoreau, initiating a tradition of American environmental literature and ecocriticism. These works promote an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature that continues to be relevant in discussions of environmentalism and sustainability. In framing nature in its most awe-inspiring forms, Emerson's writing triggers a range of emotions, from love to terror, signifying the emotional depth and complexity that nature invokes, tapping into the collective values regarding the environment's grandeur and mystery.