Comparing Emerson And Mark Twain's

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain boht wrote essays on conformity and self reliance. The two essays define self reliance and conformity using different approaches. However, while the arguments for both essays are clear and concise one presents their argument more effectively. Mark Twain’s “Corn-Pone Opinions” is much more effect than “Self-Reliance” because of Mark Twain’s use of vocabulary, his hook and his approach.

One method that Mark Twain uses that is more effective than Emerson is word choice or vocabulary. Mark Twain uses simpler, more common words while Emerson uses a more complex vocabulary. For example, Emerson in his concluding paragraph writes “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds…” This sentence is very complex, with a more complicated vocabulary that a vast portion of his audience may not understand. Twain’s work is much more simple to understand. He writes “Broadly speaking corn-pone stands for self approval.” Both lines are the opening sentences to their final paragraphs, and while Emerson does make valid arguments, Twain’s diction is much easier to
Emerson has a more philosophical approach while Mark Twain uses satire to deliver his message about conformity. Satire is revealed in Mark Twain’s essay in the final sentences. He says, “Its name is public opinion… some people think it the voice of God.” This approach is not only easier but it conveys the message in a manner that is easier to grasp or discern. Ralph Waldo Emerson however has more intricate ideas. He says, “The sculpture in the memory is not without pre-established harmony.” This sentence is harder to interpret than Mark Twain’s and Emerson’s paper in general is harder to interpret than Mark Twain’s satire. Much of Emerson’s audience may not be able to fully comprehend Emerson's writing making Twain’s much more effective to a more extensive