Comparing the Theme of Nature with Works from Dicknson Whitman and Emerson

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Comparing the Theme of Nature with Works from Dicknson Whitman and Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated that “the first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature.” Nature in all its forms parallels with life, death, and the soul. Whether the sunshines or the rain falls, whether a flower blooms or willows, nature will always recreate itself and remain a mystery to mankind. To become one with nature, one must explore oneself and know that the simplicity found in it is both divine and perfect. The theme of nature plays a mayor role throughout Whitman, Dickinson, and Emerson’s writings. Each poet conveys his or her view of nature in a unique and symbolic way by searching for the individual or discovering one-self, and coming to terms with death. Emerson deals with nature in the form of discovering one’s self. His message is one of non-conformity and individuality. He feels that every man is unique within, and thinks that society and tradition are man’s downfalls. In The American Scholar, Emerson explains that “nature is the ...

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