The American Scholar : Key info
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.
Key info
Key Facts
Full Title: The American Scholar
When Written: 1837
When Published: Delivered on August 31, 1837, and published later that year.
Literary Period: American Transcendentalism.
Genre: Speech and philosophical essay.
Point of View: Mostly first person, occasionally third person.
Background
Emerson’s “The American Scholar” was written in 1837 during significant challenges in America. The nation was greatly divided by debates over slavery, westward expansion, and the rights of women. This chaos created rifts within the country. As a leader of the Transcendentalist movement, Emerson aimed to inspire scholars to think independently and contribute to the nation’s unity. In these circumstances, this speech outlined how to unite the divided nation.