English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

10-23-1944

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to trace the intellectual and spiritual development of Emerson. Intellectual development refers to the growth of Emerson's mind through his family and emotional experiences, his readings, his travels, and his contacts with his contemporaries. Spiritual development refers to the growth of Emerson's understanding of man's relationship to God and the universe and of his insight into the metaphysical, not only through the experiences which influenced his intellectual growth but also through his studies of nature. Since both his intellectual and spiritual development came from similar sources, the two should be considered as a unified growth. The nucleus of the thesis consists of the known facts of Emersonian biography. To his life story is added relevant material from the newly available letters, particulars from his Journals, and thoughts and ideas from his prose and poetry. The study, therefore, reveals more fully what ideas and purposes were uppermost in Emerson's mind during the successive stages of his development.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dane Farnsworth Smith

Second Committee Member

Dudley Wynn

Third Committee Member

None

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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