How Does Emerson Use Figurative Language

286 Words2 Pages
To begin, Emerson makes effective use of figurative language such as personification while emphasizing his comparison of nature and the attributes of man. He also uses paradox and with this he accentuates the idea that nature provides wisdom. However, the wisdom it furnishes can only answer so much and we will never fully be reassured of all of which we would like to know. Its infinite knowledge will never fully guide us to that of which we seek. Emerson’s use of paradox allows the audience to contradict the truth and that of what they already believe. He confuses us in a way.

Further into his intellectual essay, his tone changes. For he believes that our views of nature change depending on how we perceive it. Our feelings towards these natural