Discuss how The American Scholar is influenced by Nature.
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, and various study materials of The American Scholar.
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Discuss how The American Scholar is influenced by Nature. [2017] ✪✪✪
Or, How can nature help a scholar, according to Emerson? [2015]
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882), in his famous essay “The American Scholar” (1837), presents some influential elements of man. Nature is one of them, along with Books and Actions. He believes that a true scholar must learn directly from the natural world before learning from books or society. Nature gives strength, wisdom, and spiritual vision. Emerson’s ideas reflect Transcendentalism, which says that Nature, God, and the human soul are one. By understanding Nature, the scholar understands himself, society, and the divine power behind all creation.
Nature as the First Teacher: Emerson begins by saying that Nature has the most decisive influence on the scholar’s mind. He calls it the “first in time and the first in importance.” To him, Nature teaches through beauty, change, and harmony. The scholar observes the sunrise, the night sky, and the seasons, and learns about order and rhythm in life. Emerson believes that Nature mirrors human thought. When the scholar studies Nature, he studies the divine truth that lives inside his own soul.
Unity between Man and Nature: Emerson says that the human mind and Nature come from the same source. He writes,
“Nature is the opposite of the soul, answering to it part for part.”
This means that Nature and the soul reflect each other. The laws that govern Nature also govern the human mind. When the scholar sees the unity in trees, rivers, and stars, he feels one with the universe. Emerson teaches that to know Nature is to know oneself, because both belong to one spiritual truth.
Nature as a Source of Knowledge: Emerson believes that Nature helps the scholar gain true knowledge. By observing Nature, the scholar learns lessons that no book can teach. Emerson says,
“The scholar must needs stand wistful and admiring before this great spectacle. He must settle its value in his mind.”
He means thatUnlock this study guide now