Rhetorical Analysis of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an essayist and central figure in the transcendental movement during the 1800’s, was mostly known for his strong belief in individualism: a very uncommon topic during his time. In his essay “Self-Reliance,” written in 1841, Emerson emphasizes the importance of trust, confidence, and the acceptance of one’s self by suggesting to the reader that every human being acquires doubt in themselves.  Emerson achieves this by employing an intimate tone, affirmative diction, and a brief comparison to himself to build credibility. 

Initially, Emerson states, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”  His application of the rhetorical strategy, logos, appeals to the readers reasoning by suggesting that every individual’s heart possesses the same hope of acceptance, when in reality we must learn to trust and accept ourselves first.  Emerson encourages the readers to develop themselves through trust; into the individual they are destined to be, without morphing themselves to please others.  If each individual embodies the hopes of finding self-acceptance and stability, he faithfully believes that we are capable of overcoming the doubts we hold against ourselves.

Emerson’s transcendental beliefs led him to urge individuals to, “Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events.”  His use of pathos motivates the reader to search for their divine purpose, rather than focusing on acceptance from others.  His ideas encourage the reader to follow the path created by the higher power, rather than attempting to seek their destiny with no guidance. Emerson employs logos to appeal to the readers reasoning of equality by referring to others as “contemporaries.”  This reminds the reader that although the ideal of individuality is important, we all possess a similar inner being.

To establish credibility, Emerson explains that, “Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being.”  His rhetorical use of ethos implies that those who take his advice are the individuals who succeed.  Emerson suggests that those who accept the ideas of transcendentalism will find the acceptance they are longing for, and will no longer feel inferior because the higher power will overtake their struggles.  He stresses that the trust and acceptance of ourselves that we seek can only be found individually within our heart, rather than created with our mind, and that it is crucial that individuals do not confide themselves, “childlike to the genius of their age.”  If we proceed to do so, we will lose our true inner self that can be found within our heart.

With Emerson’s use of an intimate, personal tone, he establishes a connection to the reader.  Emerson concludes with, “And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark.”  With the connection to himself, Emerson builds credibility by establishing his understanding.  His reference to “transcendent destiny” alludes to his strong belief in individualism and self-determination.  In addition, his style shifts from short and to the point to lengthy and descriptive.  This shift shows the importance of the ideals of transcendentalists he hopes to spread and justifies his idea of the role of the individual. Additionally, Emerson states that our role is to fulfill our destiny.  He insists that if we are able to find peace with ourselves, we will be capable of advancing to a better society as a whole, or capable of eliminating “Chaos and the Dark.”

Throughout his essay “Self-Reliance,” Emerson emphasizes the importance of trust, confidence, and the acceptance of one’s self by employing an intimate tone, affirmative diction, and a brief comparison to himself to build credibility.  His use of rhetorical strategies including ethos, pathos and logos contribute to his informative expression of ideals by providing structural support and appealing to the readers reason, logic and emotions.  Emerson successfully provided insight to what we must do to find our true self and justified that we must never consider ourselves inferior; we are all longing to find ourselves and acquire the same goals of acceptance.