The personal universal: Pronouns and identity in Emersons Self-Reliance
Summary :
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Olaf Hansen's analysis of Emerson's essay
- Emerson's technique of the 'disruptive argument'
- Specific arrangements of pronouns
- Emerson's persuasiveness in 'Self-Reliance'
- Imitation of the language of the Bible
- Playing off a universal consciousness
- 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.
Latest in the category : Literature
3
We are what we repeat: Repetition and identity construction in Derrida and Butler
Term papers | 10/27/2009 | en | .doc | 4 pages
4
Analysis of - There eyes were watching god by Zora Neale Hurston
Book review | 10/21/2009 | en | .doc | 3 pages
Most downloaded in the last 30 days : Literature
From the same author : Literature
1
Murdering the past: Influence and immortality in the writings of Edgar Allan Poe
Term papers | 10/01/2009 | en | .doc | 7 pages
2
Gender Inversion and Spectator Identity in Silence of the Lambs
Presentation | 02/09/2008 | en | .doc | 5 pages
3
Technical Aspects and the Drive of the Protagonist in Run Lola Run
Presentation | 02/09/2008 | en | .doc | 4 pages
Change Currency
Our guarantee :
How it works?
Quality guaranteed
Refunds
Secure payment
Who are we ?
