Interpretation Of Emerson Essay, Research Paper
Ralph Waldo Emerson s poem, Each and All is a work
that correlates and examines the relationships between
various animate, and inanimate objects that exist on
different levels of life. In order to modify and emphasize
his points and ideas Emerson uses a variety of techniques,
both conventional and unconventional poetic devices. Each
and All is a poem that organizes and puts into perspective
all aspects of life, including his own, while creating a
unifying theme between beauty, truth, and spirituality.
Due to the inconsistent patterns that exist throughout
the lines it becomes evident within the structure of this
particular work that Emerson has no distinctive style.
Emerson s use of rhyme within this poem varies from the
rhymed couplet to a split couplet, inversion, slant rhyme,
no rhyme or blank verse, and enjambment. Inversion and
enjambment occur in this in poem in lines 1 and 2 where
Emerson says, Little thinks, in the field, yon red-cloaked
clown, Of the from the hill top looking down. In lines
1-12 of the poem we witness Emerson s use of the rhymed
couplet, AABBCCDD, etc, which remains consistent until lines
13-16 and 38-44 where we witness an unexpected change in the
rhyme scheme, or split couplets. Line 13 begins G in our
pattern of rhyme however, proceeding this begins H then G,
and finally H to complete this inconsistency that can also
be looked at as an ABAB rhyme pattern within a pattern of
rhymed couplets. Emerson also uses slant rhyme in his
poetry to create the consistent pattern of the couplets.
Words such as: shore/uproar, hermitage/cage, wreath/breath,
attire/choir, etc. There are even examples of blank verse
in this work in lines 19, and 45-47. In line 19 the word
shore has no word preceding or proceeding it that rhymes
with it. Also, in lines 45-47, the words ground, sky, and
deity rhyme with nothing before or after it.
The inconsistencies and varying patterns of this poem
communicate not only a lack of form and continuity, but also
an abruptness in the transition of Emerson s ideas. Also,
as one reads the poem a sense of ascension is met in the
lines as Emerson relates objects in an order of progression
or evolution.
Throughout Each and All Emerson examines the
relationships between objects and their surroundings which
lead him to his first moment of sublime and transition to
the beauty of connection. Emerson observes the red cloak
clown and the hilltop from which he looks down, the
heifers that low in the upland farm, the sexton that
tolls the bell that great Napoleon stops to listen to with
delight, etc. In lines 11 and 12 Emerson says, All are
needed by each one; Nothing is fair or good alone this
quote solidifies the liquid comparisons made by Emerson
preceding this quote. The ideas explicated by this quote
also promote a sense of unity amongst the constituents of
each instance.
Emerson s moment of sublime also forces him to venture
further into his analysis of the beauty of the connections
he had observed. Through his analysis Emerson begins to
clarify his definition of beauty in exemplifying that the
beauty of which he speaks has to do with completion, and the
connection of everything. For example, the ear and sound,
the eye and sight, the connection of the sparrow to its
nest, the sky and river, the sea shells to the shore,
bubbles, waves, and pearls, chastity and marriage, and the
virgin s train to the snow-white choir. After exhausting
himself with his analysis of beauty and reaching the
conclusion that it is temporary, Emerson comes to his third
and final catharsis of truth.
Emerson says, in lines 38-41, Then I said, I covet
truth; Beauty is unripe childhoods cheat; I leave it behind
with the games of youth: – As I spoke, beneath my feet.
However, from lines 44 to the end Emerson revisits the
beauty of nature and unites it with truth, making the
connection and completion of the two. This connection then
furthers the ascension of his poetry leading him to the
superior, eternal, truth of God. Emerson says, Around me
stood the oaks and firs; Pine-cones and acorns lay on the
ground; Over me soared the external sky, Full of light and
deity Beauty through my senses stole; I yielded myself to
the perfect whole.
Emerson s unconventional and undefined style of poetry
writing proves to be conducive to his thought process. When
he makes the transitions from one idea to another the poem
parallels this change by breaking the consistent rhythmic
pattern with an inconsistent one. The incoherence of the
rhythmic pattern occurs so unexpectedly the reader is forced
to acknowledge the idea that is communicated in it. Emerson
produces the feeling of progression and ascension in his
poetry through the rhymed couplets, which symbolize his
onward steps toward seeking the knowledge of God, the
perfect whole.