Setting up a literary essay Emerson and Self reliance

THE PROMPT In an essay, analyze one of Emerson’s philosophical beliefs about self-reliance. Be sure to tell what the philosophical belief is in your own words, quote passages for support, and make an assertion of your own about the belief.

BREAKING DOWN THE PROMPT In an essay, analyze one of Emerson’s philosophical beliefs about self-reliance. Be sure to tell what the philosophical belief is in your own words, quote passages for support, and make an assertion of your own about the belief.

STEP 1 tell what the philosophical belief is in your own words This means restate the belief: do not just use Emerson’s words. This is the statement that you will be trying to prove and it should be a part of your thesis statement.

STEP 2 quote passages for support This is the bulk of your essay. Because this is a literary essay, you must assume that you need to choose passages that use literary devices, and show how those devices support his philosophical belief. NOTE: These quotes should be short and will need to be broken down in your commentary section. Never give a quote that you do not explain.

STEP 3 make an assertion of your own This is your “big idea” and should also be in your thesis statement. Remember, although it is asking for your opinion, you may not use first person. You are giving an “educated” opinion and proving it though text selection.

EXAMPLE THESIS Emerson uses figurative language, and powerful imagery in order to impress on the reader his belief that individualism is a God-given right, which reveals that expressing ourselves is an act of praise.

CHOOSE YOUR EXAMPLES 1. “…but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards. A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace.” Here, Emerson uses the figure of speech, “put his heart into his work” in order to show the reader that nothing short of giving one’s all will result in true happiness. The act of doing one’s best, then is a type of relief, as it is doing what we were designed to do; in essence it is an act of praise because it creates a joyful heart and communion with God. NEXT DISCUSS DICTION IN THE PASSAGE

“Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string “Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine Providence has found for you…” Here Emerson… (first discuss the metaphor, then diction and tone)