Book 2, Essays : Chapter 9, Essays 7 - 12 Summary and Analysis

These contain a number of essays listed in the first Table of Contents as the First Series. The author writes clearly. His work is sophisticated and his language evidently that of the more educated classes of people. Early on in Prudence, Emerson writes, "Our American character is marked by more than average delight in accurate perception," (p.361). One of Emerson's main contributions to the international intellectual world is this: he articulates Americanness is a manner that has not ever been done before. This is a sign of the early growth of the nation's culture and progress. The next essay is Heroism. Among gentlemen, civilities abound. "The characteristic of heroism is its persistency". All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But one chooses your part, abides by it, and does not...