Transcendentalism: Emerson and Thoreau

A way to discern the differences between the works and writing styles of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau would be to compare one or tow of their best known works. Those which would likely be the most ideal would be to juxtapose Nature and Walden, as they more or less preached the same ideals. While some may argue that Thoreau’s Walden would be the more accurate of the two considering it was derived from a first person account of Thoreau’s time in the wilderness, it is not the accuracy or legitimacy of each set of statements that is to be measured. It is the fact that Emerson preaches more lighthearted on the importance and value of nature, versus Thoreau’s brooding, contemptuous discrediting of society that is primary in significance.

While Emerson may be described as a standard and upstanding citizen, Thoreau is more easily dejected by society and labeled as an adulterate seditionist. Those who would do this cannot be put at fault for their actions, because through works such as “Civil Disobedience” Thoreau openly chastises the government and openly declares it to be corrupt. Charged with such allegations, it is without a doubt that Thoreau would find it harder to find his niche in society than his slightly older contemporary. His constant treks to outside regions such as Canada are indirect testaments to that fact.

Although these two greats continue to live on through their extraordinary works, it cannot be said with confidence that the were as appreciated more then than they are now. Regardless of how they were different, they both etched their everlasting mark on literature in their own separate ways.