The Role of an Individualist in a Conformist Society
             Emerson and Fuller both seemed to be in full favor of being individualists. Having been reared and experienced life from totally different perspectives, I found the two writers' works paralleled each other to a great extent. Emerson did not narrow down to a gender his perspective of a person being an individualist, while Fuller's concentration was more on a woman being an individualist.
             Emerson implied that a person has no choice to be anything but what he is because we all are of Nature. We all should be individualistic. Emerson said, "Insist on yourself, never imitate." (p.553) He meant that we must all rely on our own selves and not on anyone else. I do not believe Emerson believed in any type of class structure. He is saying that all mortals die and their views and beliefs die with them, so why be a part of the dead thoughts? Continue to be apart from others by voicing your own beliefs and opinions. Emerson said that nothing can bring a person any peace but himself.
             Fuller's individualistic beliefs referred to men and women, but more specifically to women. She stated, "Harmony exists no less in difference than in likeness, if only the same key-note govern both parts." (p. 766) Fuller thought women should be seen for who they are as
             complete and separate individuals, and not by what society governed them to be. She suggested there is no vast difference between a man and a woman – they flow in and from each other. Women, being confined by their appointed roles in society, should be able to break out and become who they really are instead of being the predicted. Fuller said there is nothing wrong with a man acting in the traditional role held for a woman, nor is there anything wrong with a woman acting in the traditional role of a man.
             Both Emerson and Fuller made strong references t
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