Ralph Waldo Emerson
“To be great is to be misunderstood.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
• Born into a cultured yet poor family
• Father [a Unitarian minister] died when
Emerson was 8 of TB
• Emerson was expected to attend Harvard and
become a Unitarian minister, so he did.
• First wife died of tb; in 1832 he left the
ministry shortly afterwards and went to
Europe.
• Remarried to Lydia Jackson in 1833, became
a lecturer, poet, and writer. Very influential!
• Mental health failed as he aged (especially
after the death of his son Waldo-age 5)
Excerpts from Nature (p.85)
• Vocabulary to know:
sublime: something that refers to something divine (Emerson refers to the divine here)
envoys: messengers
manifold: many and varied
indubitably: without a doubt
admonishing: gently warning
maugre: archaic word for “in spite of,” “despite”
cordial: medicine, drink, food that stimulates the heart
decorum: orderliness
connate: having the same nature
perennial: persistent, constant
blithe: carefree
occult: hidden
Begin at the passage:
Excerpt from Nature (p85)
Questions to consider:
1. How would people respond if the stars came out
only one night every thousand years? (P1)
2. What can the poet’s eye do when he looks at
nature? (P3)
3. How does Emerson define the “lover of nature”?
(P4)
4. What does Emerson think and feel when he
stands in the woods? (end of P4)
5. What is the greatest delight the fields and woods
give us, according to Emerson? (P5)
6. What does Emerson say about how our own
moods can affect the way we look at nature? (P6)
“To go into solitude…”
“In the woods, we return to reason and faith.
There I feel that nothing can befall me in
life--no disgrace, no calamity (leaving me my
eyes) which nature cannot repair. Standing
on the bare ground—my head bathed in
blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space—all
mean egotism vanishes. I become a
transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all;
the currents of the Universal Being circulate
through me; I am part or particle of God.
(p.86, second column)
Example 1:
In the depths of the woods, I return to peace and a sense of calm. There
I feel that all of the chaos of life cannot affect me—no deadlines, no
expectations, no worries of the unknown, which the peaceful sounds of
nature cannot soothe. Scrambling up the mountain rocks to see a
magical view or stopping to listen to the silence and sounds of the
forest, all my worries fade. I become the best version of myself,
refreshed and in awe of God’s wonders around me. I can breathe.
Example 2:
In the quiet moments with my kids, I return to state of thankful
humbleness before God. There, I feel the chaos of parenting ceases
momentarily—no complaints, spilled milk, or sibling rivalries that my
thankful heart cannot soothe. Reading a story together or celebrating
the birth of Christ with decorations and joy, all my tension and tiredness
subsides. I praise God for entrusting me with these little people. I return
to state of thankfulness and protection, my children safe and warm. This
is my joy.
Your Turn
Using this passage from Nature (and a similar format), write about
your own place or activity that you find solace and comfort. Going
into nature may not be your place (or it might), so choose something
(or somewhere) that is unique to you!
Emerson, continued
Excerpts from Self-Reliance [pp.88-92]
Please mark the following passages:
Begin at: “There is a time in every man’s education…” p.88 (second column)
End at “…advancing on Chaos and Dark.” p.89 (top of first column)
Begin at “These are the voices which we hear…” p.89 (second column)
End at: “Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world.” p.89 (end of
second column)
Last paragraph of the excerpt on p.92 “A foolish consistency is the hobglobin of little minds…”
Emerson, continued
Excerpts from Self-Reliance [pp.88-92]
As you read, annotate for the following (Honors):
-Key ideas of each paragraph
-Evidence of Emerson’s Transcendentalist ideas
-Any unfamiliar words (define them or find a synonym)
-Highlight passages or phrases that resonate with you. What would be
your bumpersticker?
Emerson, continued
Excerpts from Self-Reliance [pp.88-92]
As you read, answer the following questions (Standard):
-P1: Emerson believes that each person has unique talents and passions
that can be discovered only on one’s own. What does he mean by “this
sculpture of memory”?
-P1: According to Emerson, when is a person relieved and happy?
-P2: Who or what should every person trust?
-P3: What is the opposite or “aversion” of self-reliance?
-P5: According to Emerson, what must a person be?
-Last passage: Emerson says that “foolish consistency” can prevent people
from what?
Emerson, continued
The Rhodora” [p. 93]
Thought to be an extension of his work
Nature
Everything in nature is harmonious and
beautiful.
Where does the flower come from, and
why is it here on Earth?
Why are we here?