Ralph Waldo Emerson’s concept of poetry and the poet

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2008 , 18 Pages , Grade: 1,3

American Studies - Literature

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)

• Introduction
• The poet and poetry: a closer look
  • Emerson's understanding of poetry
  • Emerson's understanding of the poet
• The poets functions
  • The poet as representative
  • The poet as Seer
  • The poet as Prophet
  • The poet as Namer or Language-maker
• The Importance of the poet
  • The importance of the poet to society
  • The poet and America
• Emerson's "perfect poet"
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores Ralph Waldo Emerson's concept of the poet and its significance within his larger philosophical framework of Transcendentalism. The essay examines Emerson's understanding of poetry and the poet, their functions, and their importance to society, particularly in the context of America. It aims to demonstrate how Emerson's concept of the poet plays a central role in his idea of how individuals can gain insight into the truths of the world and connect with the Oversoul.

• Emerson's definition of poetry and the poet
• The functions of the poet as representative, Seer, Prophet, and Namer
• The importance of the poet to society and America
• The concept of the "perfect poet" in Emerson's thought
• The relationship between poetry, nature, and spirituality in Emerson's philosophy

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides a brief overview of Ralph Waldo Emerson's life and career, highlighting his transition from Unitarian minister to writer and poet. It establishes the importance of the poet within Emerson's thought and introduces the essay's focus on Emerson's concept of the poet and its significance for understanding the world and the Oversoul.

The second chapter delves into Emerson's understanding of poetry and the poet, exploring how his definition differs from contemporary understandings. It examines his view that poetry is based on nature and has a divine nature, and that even language itself can be seen as a form of poetry. The chapter also explores Emerson's concept of the poet as a genius who possesses self-reliance and is capable of leading and inspiring others.

The third chapter explores the various functions of the poet as outlined by Emerson. It examines the poet's role as a representative, Seer, Prophet, and Namer, highlighting how these functions contribute to the poet's ability to reveal the truths of the world and inspire others. It also discusses how the poet's role as a language-maker connects to his understanding of poetry as a form of divine language.

The fourth chapter examines the importance of the poet to society, particularly in the context of America. It explores how the poet's functions contribute to his role as a leader and guide for society, and how his influence can help to shape a more enlightened and just world.

The fifth chapter explores Emerson's concept of the "perfect poet," highlighting the qualities and characteristics that define this ideal figure. It examines how the perfect poet embodies the principles of self-reliance, truth, and inspiration, and how his work serves as a model for others seeking to understand the world and their place within it.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this essay include Transcendentalism, poetry, the poet, nature, spirituality, self-reliance, representation, Seer, Prophet, Namer, society, America, and the "perfect poet." These terms represent the core themes and ideas that underpin Emerson's philosophy and his understanding of the poet's role in the world.

• College: University of Tubingen (Institut für Amerikanistik)
• Course: Literary Transcendentalism
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Katrin Schenk (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V116055
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640180127
• Language: English
• Tags: Ralph, Waldo, Emerson’s, Literary, Transcendentalism