Question

In the poem, "The Rhodora," Emerson uses a device called an apostrophe in which he directly addresses an inanimate object, in this case a flower. What effect does this produce when you consider the Transcendental emphasis on nature, God, and humanity?

Option 1: It emphasizes the poet's ignorance.
Option 2: It highlights the flower's significance in nature.
Option 3: It conveys a deep connection between nature and spirituality.
Option 4: It showcases the flower's beauty without deeper meaning.

Answer 1

In Emerson's "The Rhodora," the apostrophe establishes a connection between nature and spirituality, aligning with Transcendentalist ideals that nature reflects the divine and has inherent significance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem, "The Rhodora," the use of an apostrophe to directly address a flower creates a deep connection between nature and spirituality, which is in line with the Transcendentalist emphasis on the interrelation of nature, God, and humanity. This literary device does not showcase the poet's ignorance; rather, it emphasizes the significance of the flower in the broader context of nature and the divine. Through this apostrophe, Emerson elevates the natural object to a level of importance that prompts the reader to perceive nature as ensouled and inherently valuable, reflecting Transcendentalist thought that sees nature as a manifestation of the sublime and a path to understanding the divine.