compare and contrast two peices: `Self Reliance` by Ralph Waldo Emerson & `Song of Myself` by Walt Whitman

Both Whitman and Emerson celebrate individualism in Song of Myself and Self Reliance , respectively . It is significant to note that Emerson sent Whitman a congratulatory note after his volume of poems was published and once the texts have been examined it is clear how similar they are thematically . In treatment , of course , they are different , not least because Whitman 's expression takes the form of poetry while Emerson 's is in the form of prose that directly addresses its audience and also the different styles of writing that the authors are bound to

have . However the crux of the argument presented in this is that their visions coincide in that both of them believe that the perfect being is one who is able to retain individuality yet remain a part of society

Self Reliance preaches the great importance , in Emerson 's opinion of the expression of individuality in the face of mass opposition - the exploration of individual genius and the courage to express these original ideas with conviction and confidence . Emerson traces the development of an adult as an indicator of social assimilation and the acceptance of conformism in the face of social norms and pressures Children and youth , he notes , are not yet fully assimilated into this culture and thus are able to retain their individuality , but lose this ability when they become adults , or seniors . He stresses the importance of being a non conformist adult who has managed to preserve this child like individuality and refuses to...