So I'm basically assessing the different perspectives of Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller on what it means to be an American. But before even beginning I have a question. Can I write a paper based on their individual ideas, or do I need to find a common theme that is present in all of their writings and discuss those? It seems like Emerson is pretty all around, Thoreau is very American in relevance to government, and Fuller toys with the idea that the word American and all of the nuances and special implications that come with that word be not just applied to males, Although she does touch upon some other very interesting points as well. So let me break it sown further.
So Emerson is all about what it means to be an American in terms of responsibility and privilege. He believes that it is the job of the scholars to lead society, to draw out a path for the rest to follow. He absolutely pushes action. You must act, says Emerson, on what you believe. For if one simply sits, society doesn't get very far. They must act to trail-blaze for others to follow behind, and they must orchestrate me so that me can be Man. That's Emerson.
Thoreau is not as lengthy. He is very willing to see the American be something completely different than everyone before. Thoreau wishes for an America without government, yet he realizes that this young country couldn't handle it. So he advocates government with limited influence, and a shrinking amount of influence as the country matures. Thoreau is also an advocate of justice, and is a strong opponent to Slavery and the Mexican war. I guess in his mind, an American is (or at least should be) someone who is morally just, willing to participate in the government, even though they know that they might be outnumbered. I think that's about it. How to relate that to my thesis.... still working on that.
And finally we have Fuller, who is all about the white males sharing the Americanism, if you know what I mean. She felt like, to the men, the women were just necessities; he provides for the house, and she tends it. Fuller also stresses though that women need to learn self-dependence and autonomy, and that while marriage is still important, she needs to know how to live for herself, and not just be a tool of her husband. I need to read more, but this is were I stand on Fuller at he moment.
So this is pretty much what I'm working with at the moment. If you can find some connection between these people that I can analyze, it would help a lot. It seems to me that they have such different perspectives, and address such different things, that I don't know how I can use them. Just looking for some guidance. Thank you.
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