1. from Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Introducing the Essay
Literary Focus: Figures of Speech
Reading Skills: Understanding Figures of Speech

2. from Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dover Plains, Dutchess County, New York by Asher Brown Durand

3. from Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
This above all: to thine own self be true.
William Shakespeare

4. from Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson believed that a person—not society, the church, or government—is his or her own best authority.
In this essay he expresses his ideas about
the unique character and destiny of each individual
the importance of following one’s inner voice
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5. from Self-Reliance Literary Focus: Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are imaginative comparisons of things that are basically unalike.
A figure of speech is not meant to be taken literally.
Instead, an effective figure of speech helps us see something in a new, imaginative way.

6. from Self-Reliance Literary Focus: Figures of Speech
Emerson often uses poetic figures of speech to drive home his philosophical points.
Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string.
from “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
idea of self-trust
compared to
vibration from an iron string, such as a string on a musical instrument that has been plucked
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7. from Self-Reliance Reading Skills: Understanding Figures of Speech
In a good figure of speech, a characteristic of one thing helps us see the other, unlike thing in a new way.
Some of Emerson’s figures of speech are complex. To understand them, you may need to
read the figure of speech several times
analyze the points of comparison

8. from Self-Reliance Reading Skills: Understanding Figures of Speech
When you come across a difficult figure of speech in the essay, ask yourself:
What do the two things being compared have in common?
Why has the writer chosen this particular comparison?
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9. from Self-Reliance Vocabulary
Previewing the Vocabulary
conviction n.: fixed or strong belief.
imparted v.: revealed.
manifest adj.: plain; clear.
transcendent adj.: excelling; surpassing.
integrity n.: sound moral principles; honesty.

10. from Self-Reliance Vocabulary
Vocabulary Activity
Answer the following questions with yes or no.
If you imparted knowledge, would you be keeping it a secret?
Is a friend likely to notice your manifest dislike of her pet ferret?
Would a transcendent experience make you angry?
Would integrity be a bad quality in a judge?
Would having conviction about your views help you in a debate? no
yes no no
yes
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11. Meet the Writer

12. from Self-Reliance Meet the Writer
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) once said, “I am born a poet.” Defying his family’s expectations, he resigned from his post as a minister and found “a new pulpit” in his lectures and writing. His optimistic, individualistic philosophy drew many followers who looked to him for spiritual truth.
More About the Writer
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