Self-Reliance

The quote "Every heart is tuned to that string" in Emerson's "Self-Reliance" means that each person should trust themselves, as every individual has a unique inner power and sense of self that guides...

In Emerson's quote, "immortal palms" symbolize victory or achievements worthy of spiritual celebration. He suggests that to gain these victories, one must not be restricted by preconceived notions of...

The literary devices used in "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson include allusion, simile, imagery, and hyperbole. Emerson frequently references historical, philosophical, religious, and literary...

In "Self-Reliance," Emerson uses the phrase "luster of the firmament of bards and sages" as a metaphor to represent the collective wisdom of poets and philosophers, likened to stars illuminating the...

The phrase "rainbows to follow the clouds" means wishing for good things to come after bad times, as rainbows appear after rainstorms. However, this quote is likely not from Emerson's Self-Reliance...

In "Self-Reliance," Emerson offers several memorable aphorisms. "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string" emphasizes self-trust as a source of strength. "Envy is ignorance ......

Examples of European Romanticism in Emerson's "Self-Reliance" include the emphasis on individual intuition and the celebration of personal freedom and self-expression. Emerson's focus on the inner...

The simile "words as hard as cannon balls" in Emerson's "Self-Reliance" suggests speaking one's truth with power and conviction, comparable to the force of a cannonball. Emerson encourages...

In "Self-Reliance," Emerson argues that society's main purpose is to suppress individuality, likening it to a "joint-stock company" conspiring against personal freedom. He criticizes conformity and...

What Emerson is referring to when he alludes to the relationship between man and vegetable in "Self-Reliance" is that they are connected together as part of a greater cosmic whole. According to...

In "Self-Reliance," Emerson uses personification to animate abstract concepts. He describes "the world" as punishing nonconformity and "society" as conspiring against individuality. He famously...

Emerson uses "thousand-cloven tongue" to describe the universal spirit that is divided among many individuals, each with their unique voice. "Same pitch of voice" refers to speaking authentically...

Emerson compares the act of planting corn to the necessity of self-reliance and personal growth. He suggests that just as one must plant corn to reap its benefits, individuals must cultivate their...

Society influences people's values by promoting conformity, which Emerson criticizes in "Self-Reliance." He argues that societal pressure leads individuals to adopt values that are not truly their...

Emerson's target audience in "Self-Reliance" is the American reading public, although his ideas arguably have a particular value to younger people.

Emerson identifies self-doubt as arising from ignoring our inner voice and failing in initial endeavors. He argues that by constantly seeking inspiration from the past or future, we lose trust in the...

In "Self-Reliance," that Emerson does not say the life of a rose is more important than the life of a man. However, he does state that a rose unfolds in a natural way, without relying on books or...

In "Self-Reliance," Emerson shares an anecdote about his youth, illustrating his belief in self-reliance. He recalls a conversation with a religious adviser who questioned the source of his impulses....

In "Self-Reliance," the term "sacred" implies the utmost importance of personal integrity and self-reliance over external influences or societal norms. It signifies that one's own mind and nature...

In paragraph 30 of "Self-Reliance," Emerson warns against conforming to societal and familial expectations at the cost of one's own voice and identity. He cautions against living to appease others,...