LITR 4232: American Renaissance

University of Houston-Clear Lake, spring 2002

Student Presentation Summary

Thursday, 7 February: Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1512-1518 (introduction and opening of Nature), 1555-1560 (opening of “Self-Reliance”),  “Concord Hymn” 1603.

Reader: Megan Yeates

Discussion notes recorder: Leigh Ann Moore

Ralph Waldo Emerson, frequently known as the “father” of American Literature, as well as a leading figure in the American Renaissance, explores the consideration of the individual among society and nature through his works Nature and “Self-Reliance.”

Using Objective 1 (examining the cultural history of the American Renaissance), it can be seen that in Nature, the idea of transcendentalism is addressed.  While transcendentalism is a limited term, it is nevertheless important, as Emerson was the “founder of transcendentalism.”  Simply put, transcendentalism is the philosophy that places the spiritual and natural over the material and empirical.  It also places an emphasis on a priori knowledge.  On page 1516, in the opening paragraph, Emerson explains that we rely too heavily on our past, and do examine what we think for ourselves, on our own terms.  Speaking directly about nature, on page 1517, in the beginning of Chapter 1, Emerson reveals how nature is all around us, yet most of us fail to fully appreciate or even notice its beauty. 

Working with his “Self-Reliance,” Objective 3 (representative problems – the individual and the community) can be discussed.  Emerson begins “Self-Reliance” by saying that we need to trust ourselves and what we are thinking.  That to create our own ideas and to believe in them is “genius.”  (This echoes the idea of transcendentalism also.)  On page 1557, he discusses society’s view on individuals:  “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.”  Society, Emerson argues, doesn’t its individuals to be self-reliant, but instead wants a dependency on the society.  Likewise, on pare 1559, he emphasizes that individualism is key in a society that wants to remove you of your opinion.

A lengthy discussion erupted with the proposal of these questions:  Is transcendentalism a dated philosophy?  Can people apply the ideas of transcendentalism to 2002?  Has our society changed (since Emerson) on its view of the individual?

Dr. White commented that Emerson is very skilled in using grand terms, so even now, it’s easy to relate to his ideas.  This obviously proved true, as many had thoughts on how Emerson’s words were universal today.  Michael then pointed out the reference Emerson makes to children who are in awe of nature:  “As you approach adulthood and gain knowledge…you lose that sense of awe with nature you had has a child.”  Referring to the disasters in his life, Val believed that perhaps he realized that we must appreciate life and nature now.  Rhonda believed that transcendentalism is a definite reality, especially because our society is destroying our natural resources more prevalently now than ever. 

 Working with “Self-Reliance,” Reani explained that society still doesn’t praise individualism, especially now due to marketing and harmful advertising.  Following up on an earlier point, Dr. White contrasted Taoism with Confucianism, citing that Americans, in general, believe in individualism.  Diana summed it up by saying, “Everybody has an opinion, but what do you think?”

Emerson is a solid writer with much historical importance.  Many writers, including Whitman, Dickinson, Frost, and Alcott used Emerson as an intellectual “spring-board” for their own lives and writings.  While Emerson may not be quite as controversial and deliberately moving as many of the writers we explored in the first half of the semester, he is honest and reliable, and continues to challenge minds.