The American Soul

November 30, 2008

Tasha Pratt

There is no precise definition for the American Soul. Although there is no definition it can be described in many words and forms. The text entitled “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson displays any examples of the American Soul. The American Soul can be described as realistic. One could also say it can be described as confident. Finally the American Soul can be described as wise. The text “Self-Reliance” is a great example of American literature that can accurately describe the American Soul. The text “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson shows the American Soul as being realistic. The American Soul is realistic because it relates to real-life occurrences. The text states, “A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best” (Emerson 209). This is realistic because people do show pride in their work when they have done their very best. The “Self-Reliance” text also states that a person must try before they find out what they are capable of. “…And none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Emerson 209). This is also true because you must try before you succeed or fail. Emerson shows the realistic trait throughout his writing. Emerson states, “Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact makes much impression on him, and another none” (Emerson 209). This is perceived as being realistic because people come in and out of your life but the ones that are important leave an impression on you. As previously stated, the American Soul is described as confident. The text “SelfReliance” shows many examples of confidence. The American Soul is confident because a person must believe in himself or herself. The text states, “Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string” (Emerson 210). This shows that you must trust and believe in yourself to achieve self-reliance. Another example of confidence in the text is when Emerson states, that a person must appreciate himself or herself. The text states, “…That he must take himself for better or worse” (Emerson 209). People can’t change themselves, they have to believe in themselves and be confident in what they can do. Emerson also describes why one should be confident. The text “Self-Reliance” states, “Each person has unique talents and passions that can be discovered only on one’s own” (Emerson 209). This quote shows confidence because when you are confident in your abilities and passions the opinions of others doesn’t matter. The American Soul is also very wise. “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson gives great examples of this particular characteristic. The text states, “To be great is to be misunderstood” (Emerson 210). This displays the wise characteristic because when you first say or do anything people may not understand it and not agree with it. The text also exhibits much wisdom when it describes how one expresses his or herself. The text “SelfReliance” states, “We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents” (Emerson 209). This basically says that people don’t fully express themselves because they are afraid of what people will think of them and what they will become, but when a person does express himself or herself they can become something great. Emerson uses various ideas of wisdom throughout the text. Emerson states, “These are the voices we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world” (Emerson 210). This is an example of wisdom as it describes the

voice of the conscience when a person is alone and entering into the real world. One is more likely listen to their conscience when alone than when around others. As previously stated, the American Soul has no exact definition. The text, “SelfReliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson does exhibit some traits that describe what the American Soul is. The American Soul can be described as wise. It can also be described as confident. Finally, it can be described as realistic. American literature can accurately describe some characteristics of the American Soul.