Content and Style of The American Scholar

Answer

Question: Give a brief account of the content and the style of the essay, The American Scholar.

“The American Scholar” is a famous essay written by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) in 1837. It is considered one of the most important works of the transcendentalist movement in American literature. The essay is divided into several sections, each discussing different aspects of what Emerson believed to be the role and qualities of a true American scholar. Through its content and style, Emerson delivers a powerful message about intellectual independence, self-reliance, and the pursuit of truth.

Contents

Embrace the Virtue of Labour: Emerson praises the dignity and necessity of labour for every citizen, whether learned or unlearned. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in productive work and warns against sacrificing one’s opinions for the sake of societal approval. Emerson writes,

 “There is virtue yet in the hoe and the spade, for learned as well as for unlearned hands.”

The Scholar’s Duties: Emerson writes about the duties of the scholar. His duties include cheering, raising, and guiding others by revealing deeper truths amidst superficial appearances. He highlights the scholar’s role in observing unnoticeable aspects of human thought and behaviour. Emerson asserts, 

“He plies the slow, unhonored, and unpaid task of observation.”

Self-Trust and Individuality: Emerson’s philosophy’s central concept is self-trust and the celebration of individuality. He urges scholars to have confidence in themselves. He should resist conforming to popular opinions. Emerson writes, 

“In self-trust, all the virtues are comprehended… He and he only knows the world.”

The Importance of Books: Emerson acknowledges the value of books in the pursuit of knowledge. He also warns that scholars should not rely too heavily on books. He believes that personal experience and intuition are more important than book learning.

Critique of Society: Emerson criticizes the prevalent materialism in society. He laments the loss of intellectual and moral virtue. He warns against the dangers of complacency and urges individuals to resist societal pressures. The