Transcendetalism- A Comparision of Emerson and Thoreau
Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed perfect exhilaration. Almost I fear to think how glad I am. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Henry David Thoreau: Waldon "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For" I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; not did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life... Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson were two of the most influential writers of the 19th century. Emerson is considered the "father" of Transcendentalism. He was a optimistic writer who appealed to both the intellectuals and the general public. He wrote about many things, including views on nature, the individual, and the afterlife. Thoreau came after Emerson and was a difficult man who appeared to be a failure. After traveling to Walden Pond, he wrote his most re
nowned book, Walden. He supported individualism and the idea of not conforming to society. Emerson influenced Thoreau's ideas, but they both had their individualistic styles. Emerson appears to be superior in both the effectiveness of his style and the conveying of his transcendental ideas. Both Thoreau and Emerson were important Transcendental writers who shaped the culture and thinking of America today. Their influence can be seen in all parts of society today, from the individualistic clothing styles to the new self-help therapy books. In conclusion, Emerson, the "father" of Transcendentalism, as a whole, was a more effective writer. Thoreau, although a great essayist and writer, did not succeed in surpassing Emerson in his writing styles. Both writers make use of figurative language. Emerson uses a simile in the words, "a man casts off his years, like the snake his slough." This phrase compares years and a snake's skin, two very dissimilar things, but it compares them in a way that makes sense. The simile, although simple, creates a clear, vivid picture in the reader's mind. Thoreau's metaphor in the sentence, "I wanted to
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Approximate Word count = 767
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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