Ralph Waldo Emerson Nature Analysis

Our society today faces a multitude of problems. The environment is littered with widespread pollution, fighting engulfs countries into turmoil, and inequality remains rampant across all nations. Not surprisingly, many people are now turning to a primitive way for solutions, nature. One essay that explores the value of nature is Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature. In his essay, Emerson argues the importance of nature in solving his and the world’s problems. Based on my reading and analysis, the value of nature is its ability to restore greatness to the world.

One example of how nature can restore greatness in the world is its ability to revivify beauty to the environment. This is shown Emerson describes how nature can figuratively make him young

This is shown when Emerson describes the tranquil scene of nature. In his essay, Emerson emphasizes the beauty of nature in world. He then depicts nature as the most serene place he knew. Emerson writes, “Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, [...] In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life,-no disgrace, no calamity [...] which nature cannot repair” (6-10). Emerson cites the importance of nature by describing its tranquility. He first uses a simile to compare the woods to holiness, a major aspect of peace. He describes the woods as peaceful due to its ability to remain holy in a turbulent environment. Similarly, the environment today is filled with events that create sadness and despair. Emerson argues that if people allow nature to run its course, it will eventually restore peace to the world. Emerson then uses a hyperbole to emphasize the ability of nature to bring peace for a long time. He uses the phrase “a thousand years” to demonstrate the length of peace nature will bring and maintain. Emerson argues that if nature is allowed to flourish, it will bring peace and maintain it for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Nature will allow peace and prosperity to flourish and keep war and conflict in check. Lastly, Emerson uses an appeal to Logos when he demonstrates the connection between nature

This is shown when Emerson describes the relationship between humans of different class and type in nature. Towards the middle of his essay, Emerson explains his transcendental ideas about nature by lifting himself above everything while in nature to the level of God. He describes that in nature, everything is equal. Emerson writes, “The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintances,-master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance” (13-14). Emerson emphasized the beauty of equality with his quote. He first uses imagery to picture a scene of equality, where there are no class hierarchy or distinctions. In nature, everyone is equal, and nature enforces that rule by treating everyone equally. The scene where people are friends and where master and servant are equal demonstrate the power of nature to transform situations from hatred into one of friendliness and equality. Emerson also appeals to pathos by using our desire to have freedom and equality to emphasize that in nature, that desire could be real. In nature, unlike the civilized world, no one can discriminate or judge other people. Nature acts as an ambivalent and neutral being, allowing everyone to show their expression and ideas equally and freely. Lastly, Emerson’s image of equality provides a positive connotation because it highlights the brightness