Emerson calls for the emergence of an American poetics - Essay Example

Introduction When Ralph Waldo Emerson initiates expressing demand for a genuine American poet,in the publication of ‘The Poet’, he appeals to the emergence of one who, in every inch of delightful spontaneity, could arrive at new philosophical grounds that stir the heart of familiarity and home with succulently vivid nationalistic themes. To respond to this heed, it would take yielding to the level of Walt Whitman somehow and William Cullen Bryant makes the closes match. ‘The Prairies’ may be regarded as a tool that substantiates his qualification to Emerson’s prospective model.

Describe ways in which Bryant might meet Emerson's demand? In what ways does William Cullen Bryant move away from imitating British poetry and address American themes? In what ways does he play by the familiar rules of the epic tradition? In ‘The Prairies’, Bryant can be felt to exude the poet-function which Emerson necessitates by rendering his literary work converge to a ‘transcendentalist’ perspective. Though it is conspicuous in depicting the ‘nature of nature’ or the way nature is in its downright truth, ‘The Prairies’ brings about discernment of a kind of spirituality attached with nature which essentially surpasses the mere drawing of relevant sentiments toward its physical attributes.

Similarly, Bryant emerges to possess a level of authenticity according to the standards set by Emerson for the American poetics based on his poem’s strong sense of individuality which is a typical element in American themes upon almost every form of American literature. As such, Bryant projects an open mind capable of sensibly resonating back to the reader the deeper essence of ‘The Prairies’ which establishes its identity after the poet’s unique insight. The overall approach in the tone, subject, use of language, and its respective diction comprises the attribute by which ‘The Prairies’ makes a potential departure from the British fashion with poesy.

An aspect in his play with words manifests a degree of spontaneity for which an American poet through Bryant may be readily identified. Individuality is perceived in the subtle yet effective reference of the poem to God whose ultimate role is being a Creator not only of nature but of the wonders it radiates as well, and this is quite evident in the line “Man hath no power in all this glorious work: The hand that built the firmament, hath heaved and smoothed these verdant swells.” Likewise, even without direct expression of his religious advocacy, Bryant manages to compose what can be fairly acknowledged as a form of worship via the profound recognition of nature and its unseen worker.

He refrains from adopting a British style in the manner that is more natural than erudite or where life with nature is celebrated in full measure through verses that convey sentiments between adjustable range of formalities such as the concept Bryant has of the overwhelming splendour of God’s abode, stating: “For this magnificent temple of the sky – With flowers whose glory and whose multitude Rival the constellations!”. ‘The Prairies’ is further inclined to evoke an American theme as its poet’s sense of freedom with vocabulary or broader choice of appropriate and colorful terms is commensurate to the diversity exhibited by the American environment in general.

The familiar rules of epic tradition may still be felt along the lines where accentuations sound as if in the presence of mythical atmosphere for the main speaker. In addition, the narrative structure is designed in such a way as to bring out some romantic undertones which nearly characterize epic by convention. On idealizing concrete descriptions, Bryant appears to abide by the tradition of flowery exaggerations around the subject whenever necessary. Conclusion Since Bryant is found to have conceived splendid poetic patterns in ‘The Prairies’ which almost effortlessly demonstrates the tendency of achieving the requisite of Emerson, he may as well be the fitting response to the invocation of the ‘muse’ by the latter.

It does matter with ample significance to have come to be transcendentally insightful and most distinctive or individual on poetic claims in order to touch the utmost concern and interest of continental expanse. ‘The Prairies’ occurs to designate Bryant to be that poet whose thematic discourse of nature settles thoughts with appeasing resolution amidst complexities within the American nation.