The personal universal: Pronouns and identity in Emerson’s ‘Self-Reliance’

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

5 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

10/01/2009

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Summary :

 
 

Table of Contents The personal universal: Pronouns and identity in Emerson’s ‘Self-Reliance’ Table of Contents

 
  1. Introduction
  2. Olaf Hansen's analysis of Emerson's essay
  3. Emerson's technique of the 'disruptive argument'
  4. Specific arrangements of pronouns
  5. Emerson's persuasiveness in 'Self-Reliance'
  6. Imitation of the language of the Bible
  7. Playing off a universal consciousness
  8. Conclusion

Abstract

Ralph emerson's individualist essay, "self-reliance", is an open forum of what is necessary to be independent and skeptical of the ideas of others. emerson seems obsessed with what truly defines the character of a man, but this obsession seems to stem in part from his own example. emerson's subject matter insists upon individuality, but it is his actual language, specifically his command of pronouns, that suggests a level of group identity. This piece does not only make use of the reflexive "I", but also an almost accusatory "you" and a collective "we". emerson's word selection adds to the sense that in asking the populace to become independent, he is entreating society as a whole to rise against the constraints of conformity. This is the most intriguing contradiction in "self-reliance"; the overarching idea that independence is necessary, but the end result of reliance and trust in the self will be the betterment of all society.

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About the author :

pencil image Ryan S.  
Level :General public Study : Literature School/University : Knox College

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