Ralph Waldo Emerson Self Reliance

7. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote an essay in 1841 entitled “Self-Reliance” whose content contains advice about individuality and avoiding conforming to societal norms. He encourages readers to follow their own ideas and blaze their own paths. An excerpt from the essay reads “For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure”. What he means is that if a person does not follow the accepted way that society deems fit than that person will be rejected as an outcast and will have a harder time even if that means living a less fulfilling life. This can be seen directly in Caucasia through the character of Sandy. She goes against many social norms of the time. Even though there were laws the prevented it, Sandy marries a black man and procreates with him. This results in the mixing of races, which was horrifying to those who did not want the status quo upset. Because of this, there is tension between Sandy and her mother, who

Before finally settling down they spend six years on the run, never having a place to call home. Their life is a succession of motel rooms and car rides. When they finally decide to make a home somewhere, their friendships and relationships are built on lies. They don’t have anyone that they can confide in or relate to, only one another. This is a life of isolation and exile for both Sandy and Birdie. The last time Sandy is mentioned in the book it is Birdie telling readers that “[she] saw her as she had been and would always be, a long-lost daughter of Mayflower histories, forever in motion, running from or toward and unutterable hideaway” (Senna 336). Sandy will spend the rest of her life never truly feeling safe, and without Birdie alongside her she has no one that truly understands. So although she chose the life that she deemed more fulfilling in life, she was punished with a hard life and the rejection by those closest to