Book 2, Book 2 : Chapter 1, Early Childhood Summary and Analysis

Here, Rousseau's project became more complex. He has proudly helped the nursing mother to rear and to wean the boy. The child is old enough that the father is able to do a bit more. The tutor is able to do more with Emile. Early on in the chapter there is a story about submission to authority. The reason for this is that he explains that it is vital, when relating to a child, or baby to be responsive while yet retaining authority. Too many small slips and the well-attended baby can be transformed into a little tyrant or despot with too much power—power that it is within a parent's right and duty to retain.

The scholar in the introduction has further explained to readers that Emile succeeded perhaps in part...