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Prd.2 12/3/08
Self-Reliance
many characteristics that are of the American Soul. There are many characteristics
that make up the American Soul. One characteristic trait “Self-Reliance” has is
confident. Another trait the essay highlights is individuality. A third trait that is
One characteristic that comes through this text is confident. Emerson says,
“he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion” (Emerson, 209). This
discouraged because of who they are. Another way that confidence is shown is in
the following quote. “And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind
the same transcendent destiny” (Emerson, 210). Obviously, this quote reflects
the text, the confident nature comes out. “Absolve you to yourself and you shall
have the suffrage of the world” (Emerson, 210). Confident clearly comes through
in the way that if one is certain of themselves and frees themselves from their
Reliance,” Emerson speaks of society and how, “It loves not realities and creators
but names and customs” (Emerson, 210). It can be interpreted that Emerson is
saying to not go along with society and to be your own person. Another way that
hobgoblin of little mind…with consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do”
(Emerson, 209). Individuality clearly comes through in the way that Emerson is
saying not to fear change and that if you go along with what others and society
does and says that you don’t know who you really are. In another point in the
essay, the individuality nature comes out. Emerson says, “Trust thyself: Every
heart vibrates to that iron string.” (Emerson, 210). This shows individuality
expresses “Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact makes much
impression on him, and another none.” (Emerson, 209). This shows the trait of
unique by Emerson saying that if your not unique, you will be a person that is just
like the rest; just like society. Another way that unique is shown is in the
following quote. In the essay, Emerson says “Nothing is at last sacred but the
integrity of your own mind.” (Emerson, 210) This shows the characteristic of
unique by meaning that one must be honest with one’s own beliefs and one’s self.
In another point in the text, the unique nature comes out. Emerson says, “Speak
what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in
hard words again,” (Emerson, 210). Obviously, this quote reflects unique because
Emerson is suggesting that one should express how one feels or believes in.
that there are some pieces more informative of the American Soul as compared to
the American Soul. This text features three interesting characteristics of the
American Soul. One characteristic trait is confident. Another trait found in the text
is individuality. Third, unique is trait that Emerson features in his essay. The