ASPECTS OF MODERNISM IN EMERSON?S ?CIRCLES?
While reading Ralph Waldo Emerson?s essay, ?Circles?, I came across two very distinct aspects of modernism: 1) new ideas replace the old, change is always possible and inevitable and, 2) ?the key to everyman is his thought.? The first idea of the two is rather straight forward, however, it still reflects a strong sense of modernism throughout the several times it is addressed in Emerson?s essay. The second aspect is a little more complex and harder to tackle as Emerson does not go into great detail about it. Nonetheless, I feel this is a very significant idea to consider when discussing modernism so I will do my best to show exactly how it can be linked to modernism especially with regards to Emerson?s essay, ?Circles.? ?Permanence is but a word of degrees.? (p. 25) This line which falls in the third paragraph of the beginning of the essay is a very clear and simple way to introduce the idea of change and constant diversity. Permanence is a synonym for immovability which in other words means not capable of being moved or rearranged. In this sense of the word, permanence, on its own would simply mean a state of constant similitude. In modernism, diversity, activity and changeable truth are essential to its meaning and thus by st
While reading ?Circles? I found myself mostly interested in two of the several aspects of modernism that Emerson suggests and although his essay is rather repetitive it conveyed some very significant ideas about pragmatism. Emerson further stresses the great importance of individualism in another one of his essays called ?Self-Reliance?. Speak with latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense; for the inmost in due time becomes the outmost?? (p. They are all necessary in order for the circle to develop further and further as the process is a never ending one. This is a very significant aspect of modernism. In other words, Emerson suggests that there are no set truths, beliefs or ideas necessarily ?if we appeal to consciousness? because consciousness is alterable and in a constant state of change. This statement adds further conviction to his ideas in ?Circles? and clearly demonstrates Emerson?s modernist approach. With the idea of alterable truth and a constant state of change Emerson tackles key aspects of pragmatism; we and our lives are constantly seeking to expand our circles from their current state, and seeking new possibilities, truths and hopes then becomes a process that repeats itself to no end. The awareness and alertness of one?s mind that is suggested here should always be present, ties in nicely with the idea of the horizontal hierarchy of the human body. To further develop this aspect, Emerson states that ?There are no fixtures to men, if we appeal to consciousness? (p. The most complex, the mind, stands at the top of the ladder and with it logic and reason in man?s thought process.
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