Self-Reliance can be defined as a reliance on one’s own power, rather than those of others. This idea follows the Transcendentalist Movement; consequently, Ralph Waldo Emerson, a transcendentalist, was an advocate for self-reliance. Emerson defended the idea in an essay published in 1841 called Self-Reliance. In the text, Emerson effectively displays a need for self-reliance through the use of diction, syntax, and rhetorical devices to move his audience to practice self-reliance in their lives.
Emerson opens up his essay using imagery to describe the benefit of self-reliance. He states that ”No kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his… plot of ground.” to show how a man can only harvest what he plants, he must rely on his own actions (2). This imagery of farming uses a reasonable comparison to appeal to the audience in the form of logos by forming a type of common ground. It also creates a sensible persona that he can use to build trust with his audience. Through this example, Emerson builds the grounds for his claim, thus, preparing to move his audience at a later time. …show more content…
To do so he demonstrates the benefits of self-reliance by saying “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” (50). By emphasizing “nothing,” Emerson shows the paramount need for self-reliance in our society. Emerson chooses this tactic to move the audience to have a healthy of fear and reverence for self-reliance because of the power of healthy change it can bring in one’s life, instead of an indifferent opinion on it. The quote also causes the audience to have a sense of gratitude for self-reliance because it is the only true source of peace according to Emerson. Through the use of anaphora, Emerson moves the audience to rely on themselves by showing the positive benefits of relying on
Emerson opens up his essay using imagery to describe the benefit of self-reliance. He states that ”No kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his… plot of ground.” to show how a man can only harvest what he plants, he must rely on his own actions (2). This imagery of farming uses a reasonable comparison to appeal to the audience in the form of logos by forming a type of common ground. It also creates a sensible persona that he can use to build trust with his audience. Through this example, Emerson builds the grounds for his claim, thus, preparing to move his audience at a later time. …show more content…
To do so he demonstrates the benefits of self-reliance by saying “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” (50). By emphasizing “nothing,” Emerson shows the paramount need for self-reliance in our society. Emerson chooses this tactic to move the audience to have a healthy of fear and reverence for self-reliance because of the power of healthy change it can bring in one’s life, instead of an indifferent opinion on it. The quote also causes the audience to have a sense of gratitude for self-reliance because it is the only true source of peace according to Emerson. Through the use of anaphora, Emerson moves the audience to rely on themselves by showing the positive benefits of relying on