Question

Ralph Waldo Emerson asks, ". . . Why need we copy the Doric or the Gothic model?" What does this suggest about his attitude toward traditionalism? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer:

Optimism and Individualism

Explanation:

In his Essay "Self Reliance", Ralph Waldo Emerson propagates the idea of individual intuition and sense against the set pattern or traditionalism. He emphasizes on expression of our own unique ideas.

He says: Insist on yourself, never imitate  

Emerson was a transcendentalist who believed in an individual's intuition as a more valuable guide than sensory experiences. He goes against the norms of Romanticism that dictated on imitating Doric or the Gothic ideas, instead he propels American uniqueness to expand limitless possibilities.