Self- Reliance

Notes from English class on Emerson's Self- Reliance essay.

1) Discuss the meaning of the verse preceeding the essay.
- Everyman has their own thoughts. It talks about nature (romantic). The verse shows that Emerson has a positive view of human natures. This verse sets the stage with two ideas: you are an individual and in your natural state you are good.

2) Looking at the entire essay what does Emerson mean by self- reliance? Summarize his major points.
- Self- reliance is using your own mind and not taking other people thoughts/ideas. Think your own thoughts. Being an individual is taking other opinions in and concluding your thoughts with your best thinking. "your voice is as great as the greatest voices in history." "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents."

3) Interpret the first sentence. What does every preson realize at some moment of his/her education?
- In every person education they learn that some people are original and not everything is ordinary. Not everyone conforms.

4) "The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray." What does it mean?
- We are powerful where we put our focus.

5) What does Emerson mean by "The divine idea which each of us represent."?
- Each of us as individuals representing a whole.

6) Explain the significance of the iron string. Why do you think he used iron and not silk, gold, or silver string?
- (Trust thyself <- iron bond, you have to know yourself to trust yourself) Iron is strong and functional. Silk, gold, and silver is just about looks. 

7) Define transcendentalism.
- In literature transcendentalism means rising above from being told what to do and how to do it (Colonial Literature).

8) Interpret the following quote:
"Society everywhere is in-conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members."
- Even thought we are whole and are connected we still break each other down.

9) Interpret this quote:
"The virtue in most request is conformity, self-reliance is its aversion."
-SOme requests are to much to ask.

10) Interpret the metaphor, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adoored by little statesmen, and philosophers, and devines."
- Foolish consistency is simple/easy and it foold people who don't think deeply which gets to all of us like habits.

11) Discuss the use of the simile:
" Words as hard as cannonballs."
-Words can make a big impact and words can be dense and heavy.

12) Respond to the essay. Write a paragraph stating your thoughts on the essay as a whole.
- I thought the essay was very interesting. It was hard to understand because of what era it was written in and the length of it. Now I more clearly understand the essay because of what we discussed in class. Emerson had great ideas that showed in this essay that are not new today but are not used daily. I think Emerson's essay has made me open my eyes to what my self-reliance is.