Self-Reliance

As the title reads, this essay is about self reliance. It explains to the reader that their opinion and point of view is as important to the masses’. But it also says that no one wants their own point of view known because it is different from the masses and they will be alienated by it. The author’s main idea is to trust yourself before anyone else. He elaborates by using ethos, pathos, and logos throughout the essay. Not only does he use these literary tools, he also uses diction and figurative language.
He brings about pathos throughout many parts of the essay. Because the author, Emerson, tells us that even our opinions are important, we feel better about ourselves. He grabs our attention at this time and continues to appeal to our emotions by saying we hide our thoughts because we are afraid of denial. Most humans are quick to deny this claim, but since he appealed to our emotion we have to think about it more. Encouraging us to stay firm to our beliefs no matter the opposition is the action he reveals for us to take. Even if the whole world is against us, if we believe it is right, then fight for it. This is the point Emerson brings up using this argument. Ethos can be seen in this as well. No one wants to be seen as an outsider and left alone, but Emerson says it’s okay to do this. This is another way Emerson gives the readers a way out of the problem he says they have.
Logically, it would make sense to express our own thoughts and opinions instead of hiding within a group, this is what Emerson argues. As he says, good and bad are just transferable names, so who can say you are incorrect? This appeal to logos opens the door for a new approach from the author. Emerson explains why you should not be quick to listen to and follow one of higher education, because they are not necessarily smarter or know better. Since we live in a world of different opinions and ideas, who is to know what is right or wrong. This is simple logos the author uses. I feel that another logos would have worked better, because the logos of right and wrong can possibly be established in the Bible for those with religious views. Those readers would have lost interest by then. Not only is right or wrong a logos appeal, it is also another appeal at emotions. Humans almost always want to do the right thing, but often we do not know exactly what the right thing is. Emerson tells us what the right action to take is. He tells us in his opinion. I think this is effective for those who really don’t know what to do. They would likely be quick to listen if they are one of the mass of people he described.
Not only does the author speak of the problem, he tells of how he was there before, and still slips up at times. He now has credibility in the subject, because very few would listen unless they knew that he was an expert in the field. He used a common form of appeal that can still be seen today. Much like people that have turned away from crime talk to children to keep them away from it, he talks to people and tells them how he got away from a problem. This too is another appeal at pathos. Emotionally many may feel as though they cannot get out of the problem, but seeing someone in front of them who already has may make them think differently. Think of it like this. If a married couple that smoked and wanted to quit felt as though they couldn’t, but one of them did in front of the other, it’s much easier for the other to quit. Seeing the ‘impossible’ done right before your eyes can change your whole mindset.
I feel as though Emerson presented a convincing essay. Many of his appeals were used effectively, but I didn’t see much of an ethos appeal. I feel that he didn’t need one however. He first describes within length a problem and gives at least one solution for the reader to take. He then explains the effects of taking his given steps and how it will make things better for the reader. The diction used expressed his viewpoint in a precise way that could not be confused. His figurative language provided examples that would give better image to those who were not catching on to his words.