Transcendentalism
Annotate Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” and Douglass’s “A Narrative from the Life of Frederick Douglass” based on the
questions below. Be prepared for a graded discussion.
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Why does Emerson begin his essay with, “The sentiment instill is of more value than any thought they many
contain?”
What does Emerson consider genius?
What is ironic about Emerson’s criticism of embracing religious doctrine?
How does Douglass’s narrative appeal to the compassion and the traditional Christian ideals of its readers? Give
specific examples and quotes from eh narratives to support and illustrate your ideas.
“Self-Reliance” says, “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.
Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each
shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most requests is conformity. Selfreliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs. Whose would be a man must
be nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but
must explore if it were goodness. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” What does this
mean?
How are Emerson and Douglass considered unique writers of their time? What techniques did they implement
that were so different from the others?
Identify rhetorical devices used by each author.