Emerson refers to "great days and victories behind" that "shed a united light," which in turn "throws . . . America into Adams's eye." Emerson may be referring to John Adams (1735-1826), a revolutionary with a combative style who became the second president of the United States.
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) was the son of John Adams who became the sixth president of the United States. John Quincy Adams was a friend of Emerson's father and later an outspoken critic of Emerson's transcendentalism.
Samuel Adams (1722-1803) was a leader of the American Revolution who later served in Congress.
Emerson asks, "Why all this deference to . . . Gustavus?" He may be referring to Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632), a king of Sweden who reclaimed.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 1,772 words. This
study guide contains 17,519 words (approx. 58 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Self-Reliance Access Pass.
