Transcendentalism Unit Assessment
1. In Emerson’s Nature, he uses figurative language to personify Nature and make comparisons between his view of nature and society’s view of nature. Emerson uses vivid language: “I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me” (1), to explain that he is among nature in his solitude. The effect of this statement develops a point that even though he is alone, Nature surrounds him with its beauty. Comparisons such as “the stars…though always present…are inaccessible, but all natural objects make a kindred impression” (2), Emerson makes a point that the beauty of nature surrounds men, yet many fail to see the obvious examples because they are too distracted by society. The phrase “[the stars give] their admonishing smile” (1), personifies Nature. Emerson means that while many fail to see the beauty of nature around them, it is still on Earth and is waiting for people to finally recognize its natural beauty. Emerson characterizes nature with many uses of personification in the first paragraph. Emerson sees nature as a heavenly, eternal presence on Earth that is shrouded in mystery. In characterizing nature, Emerson shows his beliefs as a transcendentalist. Considering that transcendentalism revolves around the spirit of nature, Emerson appeal to ethos and explains that his essay will revolve around the …show more content…
Emerson makes the distinction between “barren contemplation” and “new creation” in paragraph 21 by explaining that the intellectual beauty of nature searches for the perfect order of things through God. In exploring the world and living in society, the intellectual beauty of nature permeates the brain and provides men with new ideas of thinking. Stating that “All good is eternally reproductive” (21), Emerson makes the distinction that the offspring of nature, which is good, provides the basis for new thinking and ideas. Emerson states that nature inspires humans to think of new ideas rather than wishful
1. In Emerson’s Nature, he uses figurative language to personify Nature and make comparisons between his view of nature and society’s view of nature. Emerson uses vivid language: “I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me” (1), to explain that he is among nature in his solitude. The effect of this statement develops a point that even though he is alone, Nature surrounds him with its beauty. Comparisons such as “the stars…though always present…are inaccessible, but all natural objects make a kindred impression” (2), Emerson makes a point that the beauty of nature surrounds men, yet many fail to see the obvious examples because they are too distracted by society. The phrase “[the stars give] their admonishing smile” (1), personifies Nature. Emerson means that while many fail to see the beauty of nature around them, it is still on Earth and is waiting for people to finally recognize its natural beauty. Emerson characterizes nature with many uses of personification in the first paragraph. Emerson sees nature as a heavenly, eternal presence on Earth that is shrouded in mystery. In characterizing nature, Emerson shows his beliefs as a transcendentalist. Considering that transcendentalism revolves around the spirit of nature, Emerson appeal to ethos and explains that his essay will revolve around the …show more content…
Emerson makes the distinction between “barren contemplation” and “new creation” in paragraph 21 by explaining that the intellectual beauty of nature searches for the perfect order of things through God. In exploring the world and living in society, the intellectual beauty of nature permeates the brain and provides men with new ideas of thinking. Stating that “All good is eternally reproductive” (21), Emerson makes the distinction that the offspring of nature, which is good, provides the basis for new thinking and ideas. Emerson states that nature inspires humans to think of new ideas rather than wishful