Question

Based on Emerson's evidence and your examples, do you agree or disagree with
Emerson?

Answer 1

Emerson's essay is about self-belief rather than non-conformity. While some people may choose to be nonconformist, not everyone needs to be. Nonconformity may just be another form of conformity. It's important to have confidence in oneself.

Step-by-step explanation:

the writer is discussing Emerson's views on nonconformity and providing some examples to support their explanation. They begin by clarifying that Emerson is not encouraging everyone to be a nonconformist, but rather addressing individuals who are capable of understanding his message. The writer then gives an example of a nonconformist character from literature, Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye," who feels conflicted about his nonconformity.

The writer also mentions that while there are some people who may appear as nonconformists by their outward appearance or behavior, they are actually conforming to a different type of rebellion. They highlight the idea that if everyone were to become nonconformists, it would lead to a different form of conformity.

Ultimately, the writer suggests that the main idea of Emerson's essay is not solely about nonconformity, but about believing in oneself. This implies that Emerson is emphasizing the importance of individuality and self-confidence rather than advocating for rebellion for its own sake.

Answer 2

Emerson is not trying to advise everybody to be a nonconformist. He is addressing his remarks to intelligent individuals who are capable of understanding him. No doubt a lot of these individuals are already out of step with society already and feel guilty about it. A good example of a nonconformist in modern literature is Holden Caulfield in J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye. He can't help being a nonconformist, but he has misgivings about being the way he is. The masses of men and women will always be conformists. In fact, if everybody was a nonconformist, wouldn't that be a kind of conformity? Some nonconformists only seem like exhibitionists (or screwballs). They wear Mohawk haircuts, ragged denims, pierce their ears and lips with metal implants, and collect ugly tattoos. It's like they are almost in uniform. But they are all being conformists in rebellion.

The principle idea of Emerson's essay, I think, is not one of non-conformity, per se, but of self-belief.

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