Journal #29

Michelle Romero
English 48A
Final Question #1

Where do Emerson and Thoreau differ?

Emerson and Thoreau differ in many ways. The most talked about perhaps (at least from my point of view in this class), is that Emerson was a great talker, he was a great influence, but Thoreau and many of his other prodigies were the actual doers, the ones that acted on what they believed.

For example, Emerson was public in his addresses against slavery:
"...in 1844 he went public with his views in a passionate antislavery address, 'Emancipation of the Negroes in the British West Indies'" (Norton editors 1109).

But, Thoreau actually protested against slavery:
"During his time at Walden, Thoreau also spent one night of 1846 in the local jail when, in a protest against what he regarded as the proslavery agenda of the war against Mexico, he refused to pay his poll tax" (Norton editors 1855).

It wasn't until much later that Emerson began to take more action. I find this very interesting to see. In fact, this comparison reminds me of a popular phrase, "those who can't do, teach" (no offense Scott...it is not my personal opinion, just a phrase many people use). At first I am shocked that Emerson did not take more action against slavery. From his incredibly radical language, I would think he would have been the kind of guy who was very in-your-face about things. I imagine him to be very active, very involved, very up on the news. But after reading the bios, it would seem he was more concerned with voicing his opinions than acting on them.

Thoreau on the other hand should be commended for "practicing what he preaches." However, I also think about how many people Emerson influenced, how many other writers and activists. And then I think how we really do need the talkers as much as we need the doers. For example, it is possible that had Thoreau never read or known Emerson, he may not have turned out the way he did and would not have fought so passionately for the causes for which he did, such as antislavery. In a way, Thoreau performed the direct act, but Emerson assisted still, indirectly. Basically, although they differed in the way they carried out their plans, both had the same idea.