How does Emerson Characterize His Age and Its Relation to The Past?
The American Scholar is a notable literary work by Ralph Waldo Emerson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The American Scholar.
Answer
Question: How does Emerson characterize his age and its relation to the past?
In his seminal essay “The American Scholar” (1837), Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) reflects on the nature of his age and its connection to the past. Through his profound insights, Emerson provides a thought-provoking analysis of the era he lived in and its relationship to the previous time. The key points where Emerson characterizes his age and its relation to the past are explained below.
Age of Reflection and Introversion: Emerson observes that his age is often labelled as the “age of Introversion,”. Here, individuals are characterized by critical thinking and a tendency towards self-reflection. He acknowledges most second thoughts and a desire to understand the underlying reasons behind pleasure and experiences. Emerson writes,
“We, it seems, are critical; we are embarrassed with second thoughts; we cannot enjoy
any thing for hankering to know whereof the pleasure consists;”
This reflective quality defines the mindset of his time. It leads to a deep-seated reflection of existence and human nature.
Comparison with Past Age: Emerson suggests that while there may be perceived differences between successive periods, there is an underlying unity in the human mind that transcends time. He argues that individuals pass through various stages of intellectual and emotional development, embodying different characteristics at each stage. Emerson claims,
“I believe each individual passes through all three. The boy is a Greek; the youth, romantic; the adult, reflective”.
This outlook highlights the continuity of human experience across different historical periods.
Embrace of the Common and Familiar: Emerson celebrates a newfound appreciation for the common, the familiar, and the everyday experiences of life. He notes a shift towards exploring and poeticizing the ordinary aspects of existence, finding richness in the ordinary. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and a recognition of the profound significance of the seemingly insignificant. Emerson asserts,
“The literature of the poor, the feelings of
Unlock this study guide now