Individualism and Its Discontents: Appropriations of Emerson, 1880-1950University of Massachusetts Press, 1997 - 220 pages This book explores the intertwined history of Emerson and individualism. Charles E. Mitchell begins by examining those who regarded Emersonian individualism with ambivalence or hostility, focusing on the comments of such diverse figures as Henry James, Sr., Oliver Wendell Holmes, Van Wyck Brooks, and H. L. Mencken. He then offers an alternative view as reflected in the work of William James, John Dewey, W. E. B. Du Bois, and William Carlos Williams. Each of these figures embraced Emerson's claim for the sanctity of the individual and wove it into a social vision that sought to reconcile the paradox at the heart of American life: a simultaneous devotion to the community and the individual, tradition and innovation, order and freedom. |
Contents
The Aroma of Personality and the Dignity of Clean Living | 12 |
THREE | 58 |
William James and the Varieties of Emerson | 73 |
Copyright | |
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Individualism and Its Discontents: Appropriations of Emerson, 1880-1950 Charles E. Mitchell No preview available - 2010 |
Common terms and phrases
accept achievements American American Literature argued argument Babbitt beginning Believe Bois's Brooks character claim commitment condition continue contribution critics culture democracy democratic Dewey direct discussion doctrine effect effort Emerson Emersonian essay experience expression fact faith figures force freedom genteel give human ideals ideas important individual influence intellectual interest James James's John later less letter liberal literary live means mind moral nature never observed offered original particular past philosophy pluralism poet political practical pragmatism present question race radical reading reality recognized rejection religion represents response sense serve shared significance similar social society sought soul spirit suggests task theory things thought tion tradition true truth turn understanding University Press variety vision W.E.B. Du Bois Waldo whole William James Williams's writings York