The Controversy of Individualism
Individualism is a complicated thing; it exists in a fragile state, constantly teetering between a virtue and something no one wants to have. Society often preaches that being a unique individual is what a person should strive to be -- however, the line between being an individual and being isolated is blurry. Often times, when people embrace their distinctiveness, they are ostracized. Individualism can morph into competitiveness, conflict, or can be interpreted as selfish, all of which lead to isolation. Yet without these singular people, the development of the human race would be stunted; figures such as Isaac Newton and George Washington were only able to advance society by opposing accepted customs. Thus, …show more content…
He writes his entire essay with an extremely blunt, straightforward tone. Using commanding, almost condescending words such as “must” and “should”, he gives us directions on how one should live his version of a satisfactory life. In addition, he uses a plethora of short sentences to make his points, often followed by lengthy elaborations. For example, when condoning the conformist ways of society, Emerson states, “Your conformity explains nothing” (Emerson 6). Not only is he directly targeting the reader by using “your”, but his sentence is also short, blunt, and to the point. In a way, he is following his own advice by “[speaking] the rude truth in all ways” (3). Emerson is not trying to show -- rather, he is straightforwardly telling the reader he is correct. The fact that “Self-Reliance” is a nonfiction essay further emphasizes his direct tone -- in stark contrast to the flowing and vivid imagery in “Paul’s Case”. Furthermore, Emerson sparingly uses literary devices to communicate his points. His most significant imagery is his joint-stock company metaphor, in which he asserts that society “[surrenders] the liberty and culture” (3) -- and even then, the device is still …show more content…
Ultimately, Cather believes that it is impossible to be an individual and be happy in a conformist society, as shown through Paul’s miserable existence. “Paul’s Story” relates the tale of a depressed young boy, passionately yearning for a higher-class life he can never obtain. Immediately, Paul is established as an outsider by Cather’s description of him, calling him “tall for his age and very thin,” with remarkable eyes that he uses in a “conscious, theatrical sort of way, peculiarly offensive in a boy” (Cather 429). In addition, his clothes do not fit on his slender and odd frame: “His clothes were a trifle out-grown and the tan velvet on the collar of his open overcoat was frayed and worn” (429). His unusual mien indicates not only that he is an individual, but also hints that he is an outsider. Furthermore, Paul’s view on his community in contrast with his view on high class society reveals the sense of isolation he feels in his every-day life. Disguising this loneliness under a tone of disgust and bitterness, Paul uses exceedingly condescending words when describing any aspect of his conformist community: “After each of these orgies of living, he experienced all the physical depression which follows a debauch; the loathing of
Individualism is a complicated thing; it exists in a fragile state, constantly teetering between a virtue and something no one wants to have. Society often preaches that being a unique individual is what a person should strive to be -- however, the line between being an individual and being isolated is blurry. Often times, when people embrace their distinctiveness, they are ostracized. Individualism can morph into competitiveness, conflict, or can be interpreted as selfish, all of which lead to isolation. Yet without these singular people, the development of the human race would be stunted; figures such as Isaac Newton and George Washington were only able to advance society by opposing accepted customs. Thus, …show more content…
He writes his entire essay with an extremely blunt, straightforward tone. Using commanding, almost condescending words such as “must” and “should”, he gives us directions on how one should live his version of a satisfactory life. In addition, he uses a plethora of short sentences to make his points, often followed by lengthy elaborations. For example, when condoning the conformist ways of society, Emerson states, “Your conformity explains nothing” (Emerson 6). Not only is he directly targeting the reader by using “your”, but his sentence is also short, blunt, and to the point. In a way, he is following his own advice by “[speaking] the rude truth in all ways” (3). Emerson is not trying to show -- rather, he is straightforwardly telling the reader he is correct. The fact that “Self-Reliance” is a nonfiction essay further emphasizes his direct tone -- in stark contrast to the flowing and vivid imagery in “Paul’s Case”. Furthermore, Emerson sparingly uses literary devices to communicate his points. His most significant imagery is his joint-stock company metaphor, in which he asserts that society “[surrenders] the liberty and culture” (3) -- and even then, the device is still …show more content…
Ultimately, Cather believes that it is impossible to be an individual and be happy in a conformist society, as shown through Paul’s miserable existence. “Paul’s Story” relates the tale of a depressed young boy, passionately yearning for a higher-class life he can never obtain. Immediately, Paul is established as an outsider by Cather’s description of him, calling him “tall for his age and very thin,” with remarkable eyes that he uses in a “conscious, theatrical sort of way, peculiarly offensive in a boy” (Cather 429). In addition, his clothes do not fit on his slender and odd frame: “His clothes were a trifle out-grown and the tan velvet on the collar of his open overcoat was frayed and worn” (429). His unusual mien indicates not only that he is an individual, but also hints that he is an outsider. Furthermore, Paul’s view on his community in contrast with his view on high class society reveals the sense of isolation he feels in his every-day life. Disguising this loneliness under a tone of disgust and bitterness, Paul uses exceedingly condescending words when describing any aspect of his conformist community: “After each of these orgies of living, he experienced all the physical depression which follows a debauch; the loathing of