March 2, 2008100:15: 24 from: sit, wait, look.
Emerson and Thoreau: The Little-known Other Side
Wang Binggen Bookstore 2006/ 12
I. Former Residence and Diary
When I walked out of Emerson's former residence in the drizzle, a question haunted my mind like the rain in front of me. along with
In my opinion, this house should have a place for Thoreau in any case, which is not only for him to go back and forth twice, but also for a long time.
I have lived in this house for more than two years, guarding my home and taking care of my family for Emerson and Wa who went to study in Europe.
The writing and revision of Alden Lake was also carried out in this house. In a sense, this house is for Thoreau.
It was a spiritual home, but now Thoreau has been exiled by his family.
This house, which was built at the beginning of19th century, is square and is a typical wooden building during the Georgian period. Double layer, symmetrical
Eight rooms, Emerson and his second wife Lydia, show in detail here that they have never been married.
The portrait and bedroom of his eldest daughter are the same as yesterday, and Emerson's Transcendentalism Club is also centered on the small round table.
Reflected. When I visited, I thought, why not give Thoreau a place? Thoreau lived in this house for love.
Which room did Emerson live in when he was a housekeeper? It reached the ears of the old commentator through translation, but I didn't expect her.
He gave me a transfixed look, as if the oriental had touched a sensitive issue. She didn't laugh, but she was a little.
Tell me wittily: "Maybe I live in the attic." I went into the yard and looked back at the roof of the house. There's no point.
Roof, no skylight, roof slope is not high, how to live?
Maybe Thoreau went to the attic to lie down? But Thoreau obviously likes to walk in nature.
I stayed in Shanghai for a few days after returning home. I visited the Shanghai Museum that day and went to Nanjing Road alone, passing by a shop.
In the bookstore, I saw Thoreau's Walden Lake, a new and used book published by Shanghai Translation Publishing House, translated by Xu Chi, and bought another one.
Ben. In fact, I have this book on my shelf, the version of Jilin People's Publishing House, translated by Xu Chi, but he is not available now.
On hand. There are naturally not many versions of books like Walden, but I mainly want to finish them early.
However, it confirms the impression left by the first reading. This book mentions1more than 80 sages and philosophers.
People, but from beginning to end there is no word "Emerson", let alone Emerson's support and help to Thoreau, no.
The friendship between Emerson and Thoreau is only about this book: Emerson allowed Thoreau to build a small house on his own land.
The house is far away from the world for observation and practice (because it is Emerson's land, Thoreau can also be exempted from paying land tax. In fact, in
Before that, Thoreau dreamed of living on Flint Lake in Lincoln, but the owner of the land refused Thoreau to build a wooden house.
At the same time, it also provided conditions for him to write and revise Walden, and Thoreau's attitude towards Emerson in the book was indifferent.
Traceless!
1845 At the end of March, I borrowed an axe and went to the forest near Walden Lake to build a house there.
Son, I began to cut down some towering and young white pine arrows to make my building materials.
(Thoreau: Walden)
Borrowed an axe and said, where is the land? It seems to be his own. Build a house if you want. If you want to cut down a tree, you can cut down a tree.
Emerson gave all this, but Thoreau kept his mouth shut. Emerson was already famous,
His speech "American Scholar" at Harvard University from 65438 to 0837 shocked the ideological and cultural circles and was called American ideological literature.
Even though Thoreau, who was studying at Harvard at that time, didn't attend the lecture, he fully understood Emerson.
Born in American ideological and literary circles, Emerson mentioned here is common sense and his light.
Rong, even according to the habits of westerners, this book can be titled "Dedicated to Ralph Waldo Emerson".
But Thoreau was a man who didn't live by habit and played by common sense.
I want to find a few words about Emerson from Thoreau's other works:
654381October 22nd "What are you doing now?" He asked, "Do you keep a diary?" So I started writing today.
According to expert research, this is Thoreau's first diary, and the questioner is Emerson. In fact, Emerson was more than just.
Asked, but warned him to keep a diary. Thoreau ignored the warning, that is, the questioner also mentioned him. "He?"
Q ",from the beginning is so stingy and lack of respect. 1837 Thoreau was just a boy who just graduated from college.
..... How?
The following paragraph in the diary of this day is more important:
In order to be alone, I find it necessary to run away from everything I have-I run away from myself. How can I be in the Roman emperor?
Alone in a room full of mirrors? I'm looking for an attic. Be sure not to disturb the spiders there, there is no need to fight.
Sweep the floor, and you don't have to put the garbage in. (The Diary of Thoreau, page 2)
This is almost a self-portrait of Thoreau's short life at the age of 44, and it is the final decision, Emerson.
Didn't you find it?
Finally read Emerson's name. That's when Thoreau just got tired of living in a cabin by Walden Lake and returned to Cambridge.
Cod City 1847, Emerson went to England again at this time, and the house in front of him and the people living in it were handed over.
Thoreau has taken care of it. Thoreau wrote and lived in this house like a master, and also did some land survey work.
Son, Emerson's land output is clear (I saw Thoreau's measurement in the Concord public library)
Instrument, read his hand-painted drawings for Emerson's real estate), and continue to keep a diary. This year, in the rest
In several pages of his diary, Thoreau first joked about two Englishmen who were deeply influenced by Emerson: "Carlisle."
As a scholar, with sympathy for human beings, he is engaged in sincere, faithful and fearless work ... so is Carlyle's talent.
Xu is fully qualified for his talent. "Is to admit his talent, although this is god-given, but more for Wordsworth.
You are welcome to say that he is "weak, not as great and admirable as an unquestionable and indomitable genius." ...
He wanted to live a brave and decent life and finally died with hope. "Now it's Emerson's turn, finally.
With Emerson's name and title:
Emerson was also a critic, poet and philosopher. His talent is not so conspicuous and doesn't seem to suit him.
Work; But his field is still expanding, the work to be completed is more and more arduous, and he lives a life far more tense than others.
Live; Strive to realize a sacred life; His love and wisdom developed in the same way. If we go further,
Words, a new heaven will open the door to him. Love, friendship, religion, poetry and gods are all close to him. one
The life of an artist; Richer colors, sharper observation and sharper perception; Not so strong and smart.
Live, but be down-to-earth in your own field; A firm belief, a judge who judges everyone. I can't find anyone as complete as him.
A critic of people and things can't find such a trustworthy and firm-minded person. More important than anything.
Everyone has more realized the noble quality of people. He is a poet and critic who praises the gods unconditionally. (Thoreau Day)
Remember "on page 43 ~ 44)
Readers have their own understanding of this incoherent evaluation that is not so easy to grasp. In my opinion, he gave
Emerson wore so many hats just to say, "Fame is really hard to compare." he also
It's really tiring to expand beyond one's capacity. Those perfect, sage-like praises are just ironic.
It tastes bad.
Second, elders, mentors and coaches.
Emerson's acquaintance with Thoreau was a lucky year for him. 1837, his "On Nature" was just published, and his "American Studies"
The speech of the "writer" triggered the independent movement of American thought and literature, and his first son with Lydia was also born by human beings.
In this world, perhaps this luck should be added to Thoreau. "Everything the boy says makes him very happy."
Come on. "Emerson, who lives in the small town of Concord, loves walking and is used to walking with crutches. Emerson, who was walking on crutches, thought of him.
Transcendentalism Soon after they met, they walked a long way. Emerson put down his crutch and walked on.
Walking to the highest cliff in the area, you can get a panoramic view of sudbury Valley: "The weather is warm and pleasant, foggy.
The whole mountain is like an open-air theater, intoxicated with joy. Crows crow like every dust in the air.
The echo on the floor. Emerson kept a diary, and his joy was beyond words. Emerson read Thoreau, and Thoreau read Emerson.
Born, the book "On Nature" embodies all the embryonic forms of transcendentalism philosophy, and was fascinated by Thoreau for a while, which is said to be continuous reading.
I read it twice. From here, he approached Emerson, walked into Emerson's life circle, and walked into "Transcendentalism"
Department ".
When I visited the Concord Public Library, I saw many excellent works of art, including Emerson and Thoreau.
Sculpture and oil painting, Nie Rong, the deputy curator accompanying the tour, told me that Thoreau was of medium height and Emerson was tall, but
Their shoulders tilt to both sides, which is very similar. At the same time, both of them have high noses, and Thoreau's eyes are the most charming.
Attention, big and deep, shining with the light of wisdom. Emerson likes to walk with crutches, while Thoreau keeps his eyes on the ground.
Look at fallen leaves, flowers or Indian arrows. She said that many books describe their faces.
Some people say that Thoreau is neither Emerson's son nor his brother, but he seems to have both.
I think this probably does not refer entirely to their appearance, but more to the spiritual history and life of Emerson and Thoreau.
Living history?
In my reading memory, Emerson loved Thoreau as a child, often waiting for young people who had just turned 20.
When a child speaks, he can't help but extend a supportive hand. Thoreau graduated from college with mediocre results, but Emerson thought
After that, he was brilliant, so he wrote a letter to Quincy, the president of Harvard, and solemnly recommended it. Quincy naturally believes in Amy.
Born, Thoreau also had a scholarship of $25 (at that time, the annual salary of $50 was a normal income, and Thoreau was in Walden Lake.
The total cost of building a house on the lake is 28. 125 dollars. He planted corn, potatoes and radishes in Walden Lake for a year.
The total income is $23.44). After graduating from college, Thoreau couldn't find a job, so he set up a small private company.
Emerson went to see the primary school, said no, and persuaded Thoreau's alma mater, concord college, to take over the newly established primary school.
Thoreau and his brother John entered the college to teach at the same time. The sundial is a transcendental publication, and for a period of time.
The editor-in-chief is Emerson's girlfriend Margaret Fuller, and Thoreau has contributed many times. Although fuller also knew Thoreau, she thought
Thoreau's poems are not well written and will not be published. Emerson picked them up and read them again. After his hand was changed and deleted, they passed smoothly.
It's over. Not counting this, Emerson also personally operated the knife and added: "My henry thoreau will become this kind of social interaction."
A great poet at the party, one day he will become a great poet at all social gatherings. "Under the care of Emerson, the spacecraft.
Luo published 3 1 poems, essays and translations in the 16 issue of the sundial. To 1843,
Thoreau was lovelorn, and then lost his brother. Emerson introduced him to his home to get rid of his depression.
His brother William Emerson, who lives in Manhattan, was a tutor and introduced him to the literary circle in new york, but Thoreau
I don't like new york. "This place is a thousand times worse than I thought." I only stayed there for a little over half a year, so I was very sad.
But go home. Emerson saw it, and instead of blaming it, he excused it and said, "This rebellious spirit is more like him."
Brother. "As for Emerson, it took more than two years from 184 1 to 1843, 1847 to 1848.
Suddenly, during his study tour in Europe, he entrusted his home and family to him; As an ideological leader of a transcendentalist.
It goes without saying that Thoreau was indoctrinated and influenced by ideas, including allowing the use of Walden Lake land and so on.
At the same time, there was a man named Albee, who described the scene where the two of them got along:
He and Emerson were at home, and they were there all afternoon and evening. He was still in the stove when I left.
Edge. I feel that he seems to be a member of this family to some extent. Emerson kept listening to Thoreau's advice as if
Looking forward to Thoreau's point of view, I am always ready to smile at his negative and sharp criticism, especially about.
Education and education system. Emerson always defends Harvard, saying that he went there to study at the age of fourteen. This leads to
Thoreau's anger, he thought Harvard courses were useless. Emerson seems to have angered Thoreau by saying this on purpose.
Be angry and enjoy it. When referring to the courses in Cambridge, Emerson casually said that almost all subjects and points are taught there.
Branches. Thoreau seized the opportunity to retort, "Yes! That's true. No branch has anything to do with discipline.
Close. "To this, Emerson heartfelt laughter. In the evening, Thoreau spent all his time with the children, all the time.
Roast corn on a bonfire.
Such a relationship is not only a father and son and a brother, but also a spiritual mentor and a life mentor.
This is exactly the problem. Emerson just looked at it blindly from the perspective of elders, mentors and coaches.
To care, support, trust and expect Thoreau, but he ignored the most basic point, that is, whether Thoreau needed it.
Want it all! Emerson, in particular, forgot that he admired Thoreau's rebellious spirit most, which was a lonely rebellion.
Who, rebellious society, rebellious authority, rebellious secular, rebellious people, don't you resist Emerson?
Stephen Hahn, an American scholar, said in analyzing the relationship between Emerson and Thoreau: "No matter the individual, it is also."
Acting rationally, Thoreau's attitude towards Emerson is similar to the feeling of not biting the hand-that is,
At least make the bite marks less obvious. "So, for a long time, Thoreau and Emerson did not have a" positive ".
Confrontation. "As the specific description above shows, Thoreau's rebellion against Emerson appeared in a tolerant way.
Including the way of silence. Emerson ignored or ignored Thoreau's tolerance and silence, or took Thoreau's tolerance and silence as his own.
Acceptance information. So Emerson called "my henry thoreau" with a clear conscience.
3. Enemy, Poisonous Arrow and Elm Branch
It was not until Emerson returned from his second study tour in Europe that Thoreau's rebellious spirit was strongly displayed, and so was their relationship.
Tending to be indifferent, once it reaches the level of tension. The researchers analyzed that there are three reasons for this openness. One is
For nearly a year, Emerson was in Europe, Thoreau was in his home, and he was very close to his wife and children.
Thoreau "seems to be used to staying at Emerson's house, and Emerson's return must have overwhelmed him."
From "; Another reason is that Thoreau disapproved of Emerson's trip to England, especially his praise of British secularism;
Then Thoreau became more and more famous and prestigious, but some people accused him of being just Emerson's shadow and follower.
Accustomed to staying in other people's homes and rejecting the real master are incompatible with emotion and reason. This is just a kind of
In fact, Thoreau has always been emotionally attached to Emerson's second term, which is sixteen years older than him.
Wife Lydia. As early as 184 1, Thoreau wrote to Lydia from new york from time to time when he was a tutor in Manhattan.
The scribbled letters are full of mystery and affection, and Thoreau's all-encompassing diary also contains some questions.
Don't mention Lydia's passage. He seems to fall in love with Lydia in some complicated but not fully understood ways. "Don't!
Some people are my relatives and acquaintances, but you are mine. "When he was studying in England, he wrote in Emerson's diary:
"You belong to me, and I also belong to you. I don't know where I ended and where you started-you and me.
The intersection is so harmonious. "Emerson can't be completely ignorant of these things, although everyone has the right to love.
Force, Thoreau's love for Lydia does not mean incest, while Emerson and Margaret, who was ten years younger than him.
Fuller also has an affair, so rational analysis of Emerson is not jealousy, but subconscious? because
Going home for me makes you unaccustomed, which is even more ridiculous. Older people, mentors and coaches, such as Emerson, are also intolerable.
Hold on. During his stay in England, Emerson naturally wrote letters to American family and friends, and these letters came and went.
Including Thoreau, of course. Because Emerson praised British industrial civilization in many places in his letter, Thoreau
I can't accept Emerson's praise of British achievements, material civilization, steam engine, speed and freedom of speech, and books.
Ji and others are skeptical about this and despise Emerson's enthusiasm and praise in front of all these things, even in
In some letters, Thoreau's identity appeared some dislocation, and he mistakenly took the position given to him by Emerson as his true self.
The real position, and for the master of England, uses sharp and defensive language. As for shadows and followers,
In fact, from the beginning, Thoreau didn't want to be Emerson's shadow or just his follower.
He has a set of ideas about life and life, even in personal media like diary, he doesn't recognize Emerson.
The impact on him. His first diary was proof that he didn't want to bring this shadow in, and he occasionally took it with him along the way.
Wipe off the trace of following, only because it interferes with the "feeding hand" and does not bite back, but when the burden has been carried.
Heart, beware of those emotions that you don't want to admit, but are mentioned after you become famous, Thoreau's rebellion and even anger.
You can imagine.
These reasons alone can lead to the breakdown of their original relationship and the tension of their existing relationship, but due to Thoreau's nerves
Qualitative character, on his side, may be more obvious. 1849, Thoreau's Concorde and Merrimack
"A Week on the River" was published, and the sales of this book were extremely poor. Emerson was no longer as generous and enthusiastic as before, even to.
Some people have made some absurd criticisms about the shortcomings of this book. Thoreau was puzzled: "I wrote a book for my friend to mention."
Criticism, the result is that I heard nothing but a compliment-later I alienated my friend, and I was alienated by this book.
The shortcomings of this book have been reduced to zero. "The so-called praise refers to things before the friendship broke down." When my friend is still
When he was my friend, he just complimented me, and I never heard the slightest truth-and when he became my enemy,
He attached the truth to a poisonous arrow and shot at me. "Although Thoreau still doesn't have Emerson's name here, his words have been
Intense to the degree of "enemy" and "poisonous arrow". Of course, Emerson also had some hurtful words: "Speaking of friends."
Love, Thoreau and I are different types of people. I would rather grab an elm branch than hold Thoreau's arm. "Is there?
And ridiculed: "Thoreau has no appetite, which is really unfortunate. He neither eats nor drinks. A person who can't tell ice cream from ice cream.
What do you expect to have in common with someone who has never tasted Chinese cabbage, white wine or beer? "
If 1849 is the dividing point, the friendship between Emerson and Thoreau (at least in the eyes of Emerson and outsiders) lasted for ten years.
For two years, the tense relationship continued for another two years until Thoreau died young (1862). However, it is swimming.
In the period when friendship tends to be indifferent and the relationship is tense, they still have contact and communication, and quarrels can still exist.
After getting back together, Emerson always regarded Thoreau as the best American writer and placed high hopes on him. Aside from friendship,
Whether they make friends or not, they are all giants of American ideological and cultural circles. As Emerson said, they are two different kinds.
Type A people seem to be very close or consistent in some ways of thinking and behavior, such as loving nature and being helpful.
Walking or something. However, the difference between them is very big. Emerson loves nature, and he thinks that modern literature
Ming Can took nature to make it more orderly, while Thoreau's love for nature took nature as the only purpose, "without going around in circles."
Assemble, don't use guns ",as if between them are two mountains that can never be close. In essence, Emerson should
As a secular man, he attaches great importance to prestige, reputation, status, property, family and so on, and Thoreau is absolutely detached.
Vulgar, do not pursue property, do not pursue fame and fortune, do not care about family ties, stay away from modern civilization, and even "do not like ordinary words."
Topic, tell all visitors unfathomable things, and finally all depreciate. "Emerson's behavior
People are warm, considerate and helpful, while Thoreau is cheerful, joking, loyal and sincere, but
He seems to have a serious calm-as calm as a grave. Of course, there are countless aspects, including the treatment of tradition and
Classicism, understanding of modern civilization and so on. It is an arduous task to analyze the similarities and differences between Emerson and Thoreau.
Cheng, is by no means such a small article can do.
Stephen Hahn has two points worth mentioning: one is to talk about their differences in language and narrative style, and the other is
This is a question of "hegemony". Hahn said: "Wordsworth pointed out that Thoreau was' a public speaker'-he used
It is a popular spoken language, often digressing, and it is argumentative, and I like to use dialects or dialogues. What about Emerson?
It's just the teacher's style. He speaks with dignity and arrogance, and keeps others from interrupting. "In the narrative way," Thoreau's
This article does not start with an abstract summary of general facts, but with detailed observation data ... Emerson can put experience.
Facts soon come down to abstract concepts such as' fate' and' nature', which make the experience level look like something.
The essence of ". Hahn did not make a concrete analysis of this, but it is also a sight for those who are familiar with Emerson and Thoreau.
It is obvious that Emerson's works are so full of aphorisms that some people think that he only writes with aphorisms. So far,
Emerson's maxim can be seen everywhere in America, and it is the product of highly abstract generalization. Emerson's speech is also based on
Motto and eloquence conquered the American audience. Thoreau is always describing facts, even very trivial descriptions, and then he will
His views are casually hidden in the description of the facts (or interspersed with some comments at will). Thoreau to Aimo
Some viewpoints, or criticisms of Emerson's thoughts, are also pinned on the description of the current facts.
Yes, the average reader may be at a loss (Hahn regards Walden as a philosophical work), all for him.
Describe and applaud. Regarding "hegemony", Hahn quoted a passage from Emerson's Ode when Thoreau died.
Words:
If his talent is only thinking, then he is very suitable for his life, but he is full of energy and practice.
Ability makes him look like a man born to achieve great things and become a leader. Therefore, he rarely gives up in this world.
I feel very sorry for his practical ability. I really can't help pointing out his shortcoming, that is, he has no ambition. Because of lack
Without this, he has no chance to become the manager of the whole United States, but can only be the leader of the American Vaccinium Party.
Yes After establishing hegemony, it is not a bad thing to grow beans one day, but even after so much.
1920, there are still only beans in Thoreau! (Emerson Thoreau Walden, p. 320)
Emerson criticized Thoreau for his lack of ambition, his inability to become the manager of the whole United States, his inability to create hegemony and his attempt to create hegemony.
To do something after power is to speak from Emerson's own standpoint, which is both a criticism of Thoreau and a criticism.
At this point, Emerson fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the United States, and he himself has thus become the essence of the United States.
God leader; Thoreau is different. In the eyes of Americans, he is just a free man, an extraordinary person. now
At most, an image of environmentalism is superimposed. So Hahn said, "In the United States where hegemony is everywhere.
Serving the country, so evaluation almost means a kind of condemnation, which is not just Emerson's personal heartache and disappointment. "
I had a discussion with Ms. Wilson, who is in charge of Emerson and Thoreau's manuscripts and first editions at the Concord Public Library.
After discussing the relationship between Emerson and Thoreau, Ms. Wilson repeatedly emphasized the fact that they finally reconciled and quoted Thoreau's words.
Luo refuted a sentence in Emerson's On Friendship: "Although the friendship between outstanding people has ended, their
The principle remains the same, just like a broken wire. "This is natural for hometown scholars who love Emerson and Thoreau at the same time.
Understandable. But I think, no matter whether their contradiction is good or not, it is the fact that two mountains are opposite, and there are their own.
Existence indicates mutual height. For thinkers, no one should be a spiritual teacher or a life.
A coach cannot pretend to be an elder, or even become a powerful leader of all sentient beings. There are limits to tolerance and silence.
Both sides are embarrassed, embarrassed and even terrible.
Needless to say, all the arrangements and furnishings of Emerson's former residence were made by later generations, the management Committee of this former residence
It consists of the Emerson family. This time, the Emerson family also used an eraser for Thoreau to erase what he left behind.
Traces and smells in the house. This reminds me of the words of the commentator in Emerson's former residence: "Great!"
Probably living in the attic. "For Thoreau, this is an absurd language, but I take it very seriously.
.