Emerson's Metaphors

4 Pages 899 Words

Alfonso
Emerson’s Metaphors
Nature is the primary example of what a human being considers beautiful. Whether it is a glorious landscape, a delicate flower, or the figure of another human being, these natural forms awaken a person’s desires. In Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson uses metaphor as a rhetorical device to show that every aspect of nature is divine and for man’s use. Firstly, nature is described as ever-changing, perpetually displaying different manifestations of God. Secondly, Emerson shows how certain natural occurrences may be undesirable to one’s own sense of comfort, but can also be interpreted as being beautiful. Finally, man benefits from every part of nature’s cycle.
Nature never stays still. The seasons change and generations of species give way to further generations. This is not only true on the broader scale of the whole earth, but even in the microcosm of a single natural habitat. For example, Emerson writes, “Indeed the river is a perpetual gala, and boasts each month a new ornament” (41). The river bank, being very rich in life, is constantly blooming with different seasonal flora. Each flower, so unique, exhibits vibrant hues of color that no artist can imitate. Indeed, the image of a flower is pleasing to the eye; it is the definition of beauty.
Emerson goes on to write:
What angels invented these splendid ornaments, these rich conveniences, this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this firmament of earth between? This zodiac of lights, this tent of dropping clouds, this striped coat of climates, this fourfold year? (38)
In this passage, he uses many metaphors to describe parts of nature, such as the air, lights, clouds, climates and seasons. Every one of these aspects, though, is attributed to an invention of angels. He explains how only a divine and celestial being can create these phenomena of such beauty, and he describes them with concrete and abstract metaphors.
The hu...