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The Sky Tree, By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Arapaho once said, “When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.” Two texts about nature show this respect. In Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson and “The Sky Tree” by the Huron Tradition, the authors express their ideas on the relationship between the natural world and human nature. In Nature, Emerson shares about his connection with nature. The Huron Tradition’s “The Sky Tree” shares a mythical story about the connection. Together, they conclude that if humans show respect towards nature, then, it will open up a mutual respect between humans and nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson explains in his story Nature the relationship between the natural world and human nature. Emerson believes that the natural world awakens a mutual respect in us. He says, “The …show more content…

I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me and I to them. The waving of the boughs in the storm, is to me new and old. It takes me by surprise, and yet it is not unknown. Its effect is like that of a higher thought or a better emotion coming over me, when I deemed I was thinking justly or doing right”(207). In the quote he speaks about a time where he connected with nature. When he acknowledges nature and sees the boughs nod to him, he nods back out of respect. He only shows a small example of respect and feels so good from it. Emerson shows that is humans are being understanding and aware of the mystery of the unknown part of life it gives them a more mutual respect. Once humans find that respect they will become nicer to others and the world around

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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.

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