Emerson, considered the father of the American Literary Renaissance, wrote many essays to ultimately change the societal values surrounding him. ... These last two lines from "Self Reliance" essay represent Emerson's individualistic concepts. ... Fredrick Douglass is proof of finding his own genius and universal truths and uses these concepts to help free himself and fellow slaves of the deprivation of universal humanity that all men deserve. ...

• Word Count: 861
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In an excerpt from his novel "Walden," "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," the narrator reiterates the indication of him being free unrestrained by answering a few intimate questions. ... Thoreau was able to see the modern world, with all its imperfections, and contemplated the essay as a form of warning to us, to prevent us from our transformation into electronically attached human beings in the near future. ... Thoreau explains this throughout the whole essay because when he wrote this, society also completed their errands while complaining about them, but he understo...

• Word Count: 935
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Ralph Waldo Emerson introduces us with a wide variety of essays and address that have influenced early writers of American Literature of his time, as well as today. ... The relation between mind and matter is not fancied by some poet, but stands in the will of God, and is therefore free to be known by all men. ...

• Word Count: 1066
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

The essay, "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, opened my eyes to many viewpoints on life that I have never seen before, they are opinions that are different from what is normal, and they are sometimes abrupt and shocking. ... These thoughts that Emerson conveyed moved me and made me realize how precious our free will and judgment is. ...

• Word Count: 991
• Approx Pages: 4