English Kathryn Grazionale

Prd.2 12/03/08

Self-Reliance

The American Soul is found throughout many pieces of literature. The

essay, “Self-Reliance” is not an example of the American Soul. The text features

many characteristics that do not represent the American Soul. There are certain

characteristics that do not make up the American Soul. One characteristic trait

“Self-Reliance” has is self-centered. Another trait the essay highlights is

commonality. A third trait that is emphasized in the essay usual .

One characteristic that does not describe the American Soul in “Self-

Reliance” is self-centered. Emerson says, “he must take himself for better, for

worse, as his portion” (Emerson, 209). Emerson is suggesting that one needs to be

better and superior than others and to not acknowledge one’s flaws. Another way

self-centered 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). Once

again Emerson is suggesting that people put themselves in a superior than others

mindset. In another point in the essay, the self-centered nature comes out.

Emerson says, “Absolve you to yourself and you shall have the suffrage of the
world” (Emerson, 210). Obviously Emerson is saying that if one thinks of

themselves flawless and moral then they are “crème of the crop” so to say.

Another non-American Soul characteristic that “Self-Reliance” features is

commonality. As the text speaks of society, Emerson says, “It loves not realities

and creators but names and customs” (Emerson, 210). Emerson is obviously

encouraging one to understand be apart of society and to go along with what’s

already custom. Another way that commonality is shown is in the following

quote. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson states “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin

of little mind…with consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do” (Emerson,

209). This shows commonality by saying that being consistent is foolish and

makes a soul boring and useless. In another section of the essay, the commonality

trait is shown. Emerson says, “Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron

string.” (Emerson, 210). Commonality clearly comes through in the way that the

Emerson says every heart is the same or as quoted “vibrates to that iron string.”

A third trait that proves “Self-Reliance” is not an example of the American

Soul is usual. Emerson says, “Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact

makes much impression on him, and another none.” (Emerson, 209). This shows

the trait of usual because Emerson is suggesting that if one is not unique that

person will only impress themselves and will have no hope on succeeding.

Another point that the usual trait is shown is the following quote. As Emerson

says, “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” (Emerson,
210). Emerson is clearly saying that if you are not honest nothing in life is

divine. In another part of the text, the characteristic of usual is featured. In the

essay, Emerson states “Speak what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow

speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again,” (Emerson, 210). Emerson is

clearly encouraging to be usual like society and use “hard words.”

In different pieces of literature, the American Soul is shown. It is believed

that there are some pieces more informative of the American Soul as compared to

others. The essay, “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a poor example of

the American Soul. This text features three interesting characteristics not 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

American Soul is poorly portrayed in the essay, “Self-Reliance.”