Individualism in Early American Literature
Early American literature is full of the spirit of individualism. This spirit can best
be described by Emerson when he says, "Good men must not obey the laws too well".
This view has long been an inspiration for future generations of Americans to start some
of the greatest reformations of our history. Among the literary units that show support for
Emerson's idea, there are three that are more powerful at conveying this spirit. The
Revolutionaries, the Transcendentalists, and the Dark Romantics, all support Emerson's
quote because they show that a truly righteous individual is not one that conforms to
society's standards, but rather judges his/her actions based on his/her reason and what
he/she has discovered to be right through experience.
Emerson defends his quote in Self-Reliance with his view that one cannot
derive his/her happiness from following society's standards, but rather from following
his/her own hard work. In this work, Emerson argues that "no kernel of nourishing corn
can come to him but through his toil" (Emerson 225). The reason given for this powerful
statement is because he states that "imitation is suicide" (Emerson 225). Emerson is
arguing for the need of people to be independent in thought. This means that if society's
standards do not follow the individual's reason, then the individual has the right to
disregard the law. Strong opposition, therefore, should be expected for those who attempt
to find truth through non-standard ways. After going through a list of great people who
were misunderstood, Emerson assures that "to be great is to be misunderstood" (Emerson
225). This changes the definition of a good person, from a good law-follower, into a self-
reliant, independent thinker, who makes wise decisions. Because of this new definition,
Emerson supports his own quote by showing that the laws were against the great people
of history, so a good man must not be
be described by Emerson when he says, "Good men must not obey the laws too well".
This view has long been an inspiration for future generations of Americans to start some
of the greatest reformations of our history. Among the literary units that show support for
Emerson's idea, there are three that are more powerful at conveying this spirit. The
Revolutionaries, the Transcendentalists, and the Dark Romantics, all support Emerson's
quote because they show that a truly righteous individual is not one that conforms to
society's standards, but rather judges his/her actions based on his/her reason and what
he/she has discovered to be right through experience.
Emerson defends his quote in Self-Reliance with his view that one cannot
derive his/her happiness from following society's standards, but rather from following
his/her own hard work. In this work, Emerson argues that "no kernel of nourishing corn
can come to him but through his toil" (Emerson 225). The reason given for this powerful
statement is because he states that "imitation is suicide" (Emerson 225). Emerson is
arguing for the need of people to be independent in thought. This means that if society's
standards do not follow the individual's reason, then the individual has the right to
disregard the law. Strong opposition, therefore, should be expected for those who attempt
to find truth through non-standard ways. After going through a list of great people who
were misunderstood, Emerson assures that "to be great is to be misunderstood" (Emerson
225). This changes the definition of a good person, from a good law-follower, into a self-
reliant, independent thinker, who makes wise decisions. Because of this new definition,
Emerson supports his own quote by showing that the laws were against the great people
of history, so a good man must not be