Emerson and Frost: Self-Reliance and Transcendentalism

Introduction to American Transcendentalism

Several qualities inherent in American literature help set it apart from English literature. Among the earliest themes explored in American writing is the concept of self-reliance and individuality. These concepts are prevalent in the works of writers and advocates of Transcendentalism, a subset of American Romanticism. Ralph Waldo Emerson explored the concept of individuality in his essay "Self-Reliance" and aimed to define how self-worth is measured. Likewise, Robert Frost embraces the concepts of individuality and self-worth as Emerson defined them. Emerson's influence on Frost can be seen in the theme and narrative of Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken." Both Emerson and Frost comment on the importance of the self and the impact that individuality has on a person.

Transcendentalism is an American literary, political, and philosophical movement that aimed to bring individuals to recognize that non-conformism and self-reliance were key elements in allowing them to realize their goals to their fullest capacity. Some of the basic premises of American Transcendentalism include the belief that the individual "is the spiritual center of the universe," that "the structure of the universe literally duplicates the structure of the individual self" — meaning that in order to understand the world, an individual must first understand themselves — that nature is symbolic, and "the belief that individual virtue and happiness depend upon self-realization" (Reuben). As a subset of American Romanticism, nature plays an important role in Transcendentalism and is meant to provide instruction and inspiration ("Romanticism"). Moreover, nature was seen as a vehicle by which an individual could seek to fulfill his or her potential and move toward the fulfillment of the Self (Reuben).

Emerson's Philosophy of Self-Reliance

Much of the Transcendentalist movement is focused around the writings of Emerson, including "Self-Reliance," in which he outlines the importance of non-conformism and dependence on one's self. In "Self-Reliance," Emerson writes about the importance of being able to think for oneself and of not dismissing one's beliefs and personal thoughts simply because they do not conform to what great thinkers have previously expressed. Emerson writes, "A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages" (Emerson). Moreover, Emerson contends that an individual sees in others what he or she seeks to express, stating, "In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts: they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty" (Emerson).

Furthermore, Emerson argues that it is necessary for the persistence of humanity that self-reliance and non-conformity be practiced. He explains that conformity benefits only those who wish to "surrender the liberty and the culture" of the individual to please the masses. Additionally, Emerson insinuates that a person cannot be fulfilled as an individual if he or she conforms to social expectations and norms. Simply because others do not understand what an individual does or thinks does not make that person inferior; rather, it allows that person to excel beyond what is expected. As Emerson writes, "To be great is to be misunderstood" (Emerson).

Individualism and Choice in Frost's Poem

These concepts are evident in Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken." In the poem, an unnamed narrator reflects on the decisions he has made in the past and recognizes that his decision not to conform has made his life far better. The narrator faces the seemingly difficult decision of choosing which road to take when he comes upon "two roads diverged in a yellow wood" (Frost, line 1). If one assumes that the roads are a metaphor for the type of life the narrator will choose to live, and that each road will terminate at a common destination — that is, death — then the narrator must simply choose which road he wishes to travel based on the impact he wants to have on the world and what experiences he wishes to have. The narrator's curious nature, however, leaves him disappointed that he is not afforded the opportunity to explore both roads, and he states that he was "sorry [he] could not travel both" (line 2).

Conclusion: Shared Transcendentalist Vision

Through their respective works, "Self-Reliance" and "The Road Not Taken," Emerson and Frost promote Transcendental values of individualism and self-reliance and help to further develop both the Transcendentalist movement and American Romantic literature. Both Emerson and Frost believe that the individual has the power to create his or her destiny through self-realization, and both promote the practice of learning about oneself through one's environment — in the case of early American literature, through the exploration of the unknown: Nature.

Works Cited

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." Emerson Central. Web. 7 August 2012.

Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken." Mountain Interval. Web. 7 August 2012.

"Romanticism." Brooklyn College. Web. 7 August 2012.

Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 4: American Transcendentalism (AT): A Brief Introduction." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature — A Research and Reference Guide. Web. 7 August 2012.

Strickland, Brad. "American Romanticism Overview." University of West Georgia. 1997. Web. 7 August 2012.