Essay, der sich vor allem mit der Bedeutung von Sprache in der Kultur auseinandersetzt. Genannte Autoren u.a. sind Emerson und Thoreau.
Table of Contents
- Essay Question 1: ‘The corruption of man is followed by the corruption of language’ (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Discuss the ways in which American writers have sought to address this dilemma.
- Chapter: Language
- Chapter: Society and Solitude
- Reading
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines how American writers, particularly within the Transcendentalist movement, addressed the relationship between the corruption of man and the corruption of language. It explores the Transcendentalist perspective on language as a reflection of both the individual and the spiritual world, and investigates how this view informed their writing and their critiques of societal trends.
- The Transcendentalist view of language as a mediator between the material and spiritual worlds.
- The impact of societal pressures and commercialization on language and thought.
- The importance of careful reading and the selection of "true" books.
- The role of language in achieving genuine communication and spiritual connection.
- The contrasting approaches of Emerson and Thoreau to the issues of language and its corruption.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter: Language: This chapter delves into Emerson's understanding of language as a gift from nature, acting as a "vehicle" of thought. Emerson outlines three degrees of this process: words as signs of natural facts, natural facts as symbols of spiritual facts, and nature as the symbol of spirit. He challenges Plato's theory of Forms, suggesting that words are derived from material appearances, using examples like "right" and "straight." However, he also emphasizes the correspondence between visible objects and human thought, highlighting the role of a "universal soul" or "Spirit." The chapter explores the concept of "good conversation," defined by the love of truth and the desire for lossless communication. This ideal is contrasted with the negative impacts of "secondary desires" (riches, pleasure, power, praise), which lead to duplicity and falsehood, ultimately corrupting both man and language. Emerson suggests that wise men possess the skill to connect thought with proper symbols, thus avoiding this corruption.
Chapter: Society and Solitude: This chapter focuses on Emerson's practical advice regarding the avoidance of corrupted language, particularly through the careful selection of reading material. Emerson strongly advocates for reading only "famed books," emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity and the avoidance of trivial or ephemeral works. He provides specific guidelines, including reading only books that are at least a year old and focusing solely on books one enjoys. This reflects the chapter's broader themes on discerning and cultivating one's own intellectual and spiritual growth, mirroring the principles laid out in his discussion of language in earlier chapters. He promotes books not for mere knowledge, but for inspiration, aligning with the overall transcendentalist goal of seeking deeper truths and meanings.
Reading: Thoreau's chapter "Reading" presents a critique of contemporary reading habits, attributing the decline in intellectual vigor to the profit-driven nature of the modern publishing industry. He contends that the readily available, inexpensive literature lacks the depth and substance of classic works, echoing Emerson's sentiments on selective reading. Thoreau emphasizes the need for deliberate and mindful engagement with texts, likening true reading to rigorous athletic training, showcasing the discipline and dedication needed to truly benefit from books. He focuses on the self-improvement potential of literature, aligning with the overarching Transcendentalist philosophy of self-reliance and spiritual growth, a theme also present in Emerson's work.
Keywords
Transcendentalism, Emerson, Thoreau, Language, Corruption, Nature, Spirit, Reading, Books, Communication, Society, Solitude, Self-Reliance, Spiritual Growth, American Literature, Civil Disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay examines how American writers, particularly within the Transcendentalist movement (Emerson and Thoreau), addressed the relationship between the corruption of man and the corruption of language. It explores their perspectives on language as a reflection of the individual and the spiritual world, and how this informed their writing and critiques of societal trends.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the Transcendentalist view of language as a mediator between the material and spiritual worlds; the impact of societal pressures and commercialization on language and thought; the importance of careful reading and selecting "true" books; the role of language in achieving genuine communication and spiritual connection; and the contrasting approaches of Emerson and Thoreau to the issues of language and its corruption.
What is Emerson's view on language?
Emerson viewed language as a gift from nature, a "vehicle" of thought. He described three degrees: words as signs of natural facts, natural facts as symbols of spiritual facts, and nature as the symbol of spirit. He challenged Plato, suggesting words derive from material appearances. He emphasized the correspondence between visible objects and human thought, highlighting a "universal soul" or "Spirit." He linked "good conversation" to the love of truth and the desire for lossless communication, contrasting it with the corruption caused by "secondary desires" (riches, pleasure, power, praise).
What is Emerson's advice on avoiding corrupted language?
Emerson advocated for careful selection of reading material, emphasizing quality over quantity. He advised reading only "famed books," at least a year old, and focusing solely on books one enjoys. This reflects a focus on discerning and cultivating intellectual and spiritual growth.
What is Thoreau's perspective on reading and its relation to societal issues?
Thoreau critiqued contemporary reading habits, blaming the profit-driven publishing industry for a decline in intellectual vigor. He argued that readily available, inexpensive literature lacks the depth of classic works, emphasizing the need for deliberate engagement with texts. He likened true reading to rigorous athletic training, highlighting the discipline needed to benefit from books and aligning with the Transcendentalist philosophy of self-reliance and spiritual growth.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of chapters on "Language" (Emerson's view on language as a vehicle of thought and its corruption), "Society and Solitude" (Emerson's advice on avoiding corrupted language through careful reading), and "Reading" (Thoreau's critique of contemporary reading habits and the need for mindful engagement with texts).
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include Transcendentalism, Emerson, Thoreau, Language, Corruption, Nature, Spirit, Reading, Books, Communication, Society, Solitude, Self-Reliance, Spiritual Growth, American Literature, and Civil Disobedience.
What is the overall purpose of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the essay's content, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It serves as a structured and professional analysis of the themes within the text, intended for academic use.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Markus Büssecker (Autor:in), 2007, Essay on Transcendentalism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/88579
