"Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

AGENDA:

Today, we will EXAMINE the key points in Emerson's essay which you have read and annotated for homework.  At the end of class, you will be EVALUATING how practical or idealistic Emerson's  claims are for living one's life in the "real world."


EQ: What are the key claims of Emerson's "Self Reliance" and how relevant are his arguments for living in the "real world"?

The essay on "Self-Reliance"  can be classified as ARGUMENTATION/PERSUASION ( that is the mode of discourse).  Emerson makes several CLAIMS regarding the importance of self-reliance in the essay. 


"Ne te quaesiveris extra." OR "Do not look outside of yourself."


Some of Emerson's CLAIMS are:
1. The genuine self expresses the universal truth--GENIUS, THE OVERSOUL (man, nature, God)

2. One must develop the self and follow one's inner law--INDIVIDUALISM, SELF WORTH

3. There are dangers to conformity--NON-CONFORMITY, SOCIETAL DISAPPROVAL

4. Self help vs. prayer --

5. Travel is less important than growth at home--VISION OF AMERICA

6. Self reliance will lead one to be at peace

In small groups (or with a partner), find the textual EVIDENCE  that supports one of these CLAIMS by quoting from the essay.

We will then share out our findings to the class, and finally, discuss and evaluate Emerson's argument.  Are you convinced?  If yes, WHY (DEFEND)?  If no, WHY (CHALLENGE)?  If a little of both, WHY (QUALIFY)? Consider how "revolutionary" this philosophy may have been for its time.

HMWK:  Read and annotate "Nature"