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Essay / The American Scholar - 968
To what extent does “The American Scholar” reflect the values of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution? After enduring the domination of England's rules and power for many years, America finally regained freedom from England. It was the day Americans celebrated Independence Day, July 4, 1776. When independence was declared, America's main priority was human rights. At that time, literature began to exist in America and people began to become enthusiastic about it. Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the best poets who believed in individualism and creativity. He gave an inspiring speech at Cambridge in 1837. His speech was given to Harvard's Phi Beta Kappa Society in front of the graduates. The American Scholar was the title of the speech which became a source of inspiration for many scholars. The American scholar reflects the value of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. The American scholar has the aspects of an original, independent, courageous, and intelligent scholar. Emerson encouraged writers to believe in originality rather than embrace foreign influences. He expressed that American writers should no longer plagiarize the style of foreign literature, especially European literature. American independence had prompted Emerson to make a habit of engaging writers to promote the American style of writing. This spoke to the fact that Emerson wanted American writers to show that America was no longer dependent. Rather, American writing no longer had the foreign influences that simply reflected the values of the Declaration of Independence. Originality meant inventive and new writing in American literature to create and n...... middle of paper ...... The American scholar teaches the value of being an independent, courageous, and intelligent scholar who also invokes the American people in general is one. This speech also showed the importance of self-reliance by comparing it to nature which is important to be accepted by the people. The Declaration of Independence played an important role in promoting human rights and individualism, which has a connection to the American scholar. This speech by Emerson brought a huge difference to the nation because the country always supports the independence of individuals and gives individuals the right to do whatever they can. There are many intelligent and educated people who are credited with giving pride in the country, which may be a result of their education and independence. Thus, the American scholar reflects the value of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution.