Emerson

1. Emerson's essay was published in 1841 and was associated with the Transcendentalist movement, which was a movement in the early 19th century United States. The transcendentalists believed in the goodness in people and the connection between humans and nature. 2. Emerson's audience was made up of Transcendentalists, groups of thinkers, writers, and activists. Emerson's essays impacted both those who agreed and disagreed with him. 3. The rhetorical situation is in speaking to the audience. He wants to inspire and challenge readers to have self-reliance, break free, and pursue their own paths. 4. The thesis is that individuals should trust themselves, value their uniqueness, and not conform to expectations. 5. He argues that individuals should not be envious of others this stops personal growth. Emerson also criticizes society for creating an image of unrealistic conformity and no individuality. To support these claims, Emerson uses rhetorical strategies, including vivid figurative language, historical and literary references, and emotional appeals to encourage readers to trust themselves and break free from social constraints. 6. Interpret the Figurative Language What is Emerson saying? Analyze the Effect How does this example affect the tone or meaning? Determine the Purpose How does this support his claim? Emerson is using the figurative language of farming and agriculture to emphasize the idea that one must work on oneself to receive the rewards The effect of this metaphor is the importance of personal responsibility and hard work in achieving one's goals. The purpose of this example is to support the claim that individuals should rely on themselves. Emerson uses the metaphor of an "iron string" to symbolize an individual's inner intuition. This creates a tone of conviction and emphasizes inner guidance. The purpose of this example is to encourage readers to have confidence in their own intuition. Emerson uses the metaphor of a joint-stock company to describe society as an organization where individuals give up their freedom in exchange for economic gains. This metaphor creates a critical tone, highlighting the idea that conformity comes at the cost of liberty. The purpose of this example is to criticize the conforming of society. In this metaphor, the "corpse of your memory" represents the guilt of past actions. This metaphor adds a darker tone to the passage and conveys the idea that holding onto one's past actions and words can hold you back. The purpose of this example is to encourage readers to let go of the constraints of past actions