Assertion Analysis #12

Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the idea of individuality. In the role of Romanticism, Emerson encourages that we, as an individual, are capable of believing in oneself. We are able to follow our own path destined by our own decisions we take. In addition, he is saying that by believing in yourself and acting as an individual, it will inspire other people to do the same as well. The era of Romanticism has encouraged many people to follow the path of individuality and other inspirations, such as Emerson. He strongly believes that a nation of freedom, self-esteem, and individuality can and will be created.

In order to reach out to his audience, Emerson uses various types of rhetorical devices. In particular, he uses alliteration in his assertion. By repeating the words "we will" and "our own," he is able to show that it is not only him who will follow the path of individuality, but many other people together as well. He also shows that by doing the actions he listed by ourselves, we are able to increase the number of individuals who follow Romanticism. By using this rhetorical device, he can influence the audience to follow his foot steps and accept the role of individuality. His use of alliteration can be found in the beginning of his assertion where he states, "We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds..."