Ralph Waldo Emerson today is known as one of the leading figures of the American transcendentalist movement. After his studies at Harvard Divinity School he became minister at Second Church in Boston. In 1832, he decided to give up his original profession as a Unitarian Minister, when he realized that he did not agree anymore with the views of the Christian Church which proclaimed that Jesus was the only real prophet, and that revelation is something which is already over (cf. Woodlief). Emerson especially made his opinion clear concerning these views in his provocative lecture and essay “Divinity School Address”. Instead of his religious profession as a minister, he then pursued a career as an orator, a writer, and a poet, but still then religion played an important role in his life, and religious influence can be seen throughout his writings.
Emerson regarded the person of the poet as one of the most important and greatest figures among men. He refers to the poet, his abilities and his importance in many of his works like “Nature”, Representative Men and “The American Scholar”. He even dedicated a whole essay, which is called “The Poet”, to this topic. In this essay he reflects upon the person and the importance of the poet as well as his poetry which he also considered as highly significant for men.
This essay will show that Emerson’s concept of the poet plays a central role in his idea of how men can gain insight into the secrets and the truths of the world and how they can regain access to the Oversoul. It will do so, by especially focusing on the works mentioned above. At first, it will look at Emerson’s understanding of the terms “poet” and “poetry” which serves as a basis for the following exploration of the poet’s functions as representative, Seer, Prophet and Namer or Language-maker. Afterwards, the poet’s role in society in general and especially his importance for America, on the basis of his functions, is analyzed. In the last part, Emerson’s idea of the “perfect” poet and his value for society is described before the essay finishes with a concluding statement.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The poet and poetry: a closer look
- 2.1 Emerson's understanding of poetry
- 2.2 Emerson's understanding of the poet
- 3. The poet's functions
- 3.1 The poet as representative
- 3.2 The poet as Seer
- 3.3 The poet as Prophet
- 3.4 The poet as Namer or Language-maker
- 4. The Importance of the poet
- 4.1 The importance of the poet to society
- 4.2 The poet and America
- 5. Emerson's "perfect poet"
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore Ralph Waldo Emerson's concept of the poet and poetry, highlighting its central role in his philosophy of how humans can gain insight into the world's truths and reconnect with the Oversoul. The analysis will focus on key works such as "Nature," "Representative Men," and "The Poet." * Emerson's definitions of poetry and the poet. * The various functions of the poet in Emerson's view (representative, seer, prophet, namer). * The importance of the poet to society and America. * The characteristics of Emerson's ideal "perfect poet." * The connection between poetry, nature, and spirituality in Emerson's thought.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes Ralph Waldo Emerson's significance as a leading figure in American Transcendentalism. It traces his career path from Unitarian minister to writer and orator, emphasizing the continuing religious influence in his work. The chapter introduces the central focus of the essay: Emerson's elevation of the poet to a position of immense importance, and how his writings, particularly "Nature," "Representative Men," and "The Poet," illuminate this concept. The introduction lays out the essay's structure, promising an exploration of Emerson's understanding of "poet" and "poetry," the poet's functions, their societal impact, and a discussion of Emerson's vision of the ideal poet.
2. The poet and poetry: a closer look: This chapter delves into Emerson's unique perspective on poetry and the poet, contrasting it with contemporary understanding. Section 2.1 explores Emerson's expansive definition of poetry, encompassing not only traditional verse but also language itself and even nature as a "book of God." He emphasizes poetry's foundation in nature, arguing that words originate from and symbolize natural phenomena, thereby imbuing poetry with a divine quality. Section 2.2 examines Emerson's concept of the poet as a genius characterized by self-reliance and trust in one's own thoughts, qualities essential for their role as representatives and leaders who guide society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Transcendentalism, Poetry, Poet, Nature, Spirituality, Oversoul, Representative, Seer, Prophet, Language-maker, Self-Reliance, American Identity, Genius.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's Concept of the Poet: FAQ
What is the overall focus of this essay?
This essay explores Ralph Waldo Emerson's concept of the poet and poetry, emphasizing their central role in his philosophy. It examines how poetry allows humans to gain insight into the world's truths and reconnect with the Oversoul.
What are the key themes analyzed in the essay?
The essay focuses on Emerson's definitions of poetry and the poet; the various functions of the poet (representative, seer, prophet, namer); the poet's importance to society and America; the characteristics of Emerson's ideal "perfect poet"; and the connection between poetry, nature, and spirituality in Emerson's thought.
What primary works of Emerson are referenced?
The analysis draws heavily on Emerson's key works, including "Nature," "Representative Men," and "The Poet."
What is Emerson's definition of poetry?
Emerson's definition of poetry is expansive. It encompasses not only traditional verse but also language itself and even nature, viewed as a "book of God." He emphasizes poetry's foundation in nature, arguing that words originate from and symbolize natural phenomena, giving poetry a divine quality.
What are the functions of the poet according to Emerson?
Emerson assigns multiple crucial functions to the poet: representative, seer, prophet, and namer (or language-maker). These roles highlight the poet's influence on society and their ability to shape understanding and meaning.
What is the importance of the poet to society and America, according to Emerson?
Emerson views the poet as a vital figure for both society and America. The essay explores the poet's role in guiding society and shaping American identity.
What are the characteristics of Emerson's "perfect poet"?
The essay examines the qualities that constitute Emerson's ideal "perfect poet," including self-reliance and trust in one's own thoughts, essential for their leadership role.
What is the connection between poetry, nature, and spirituality in Emerson's thought?
Emerson establishes a strong link between poetry, nature, and spirituality. Poetry, rooted in nature, provides a path to spiritual insight and a connection with the Oversoul.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay is structured into five chapters: an introduction, a chapter exploring Emerson's view of the poet and poetry, a chapter detailing the poet's functions, a chapter on the poet's importance, and a concluding chapter focusing on Emerson's concept of the "perfect poet."
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Transcendentalism, Poetry, Poet, Nature, Spirituality, Oversoul, Representative, Seer, Prophet, Language-maker, Self-Reliance, American Identity, Genius.
- Quote paper
- Katrin Schenk (Author), 2008, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s concept of poetry and the poet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/116055
