Ralph Waldo Emerson is probably the most influential figure in American literary history. He was responsible for shaping the literary style and vision of the American Romantic Period. Nowadays, when we think of Transcendentalism we think immediately of Emerson. We think of Emerson because transcendental thought is most clearly expressed in his writings.
As with all great writers, the events in Emerson's life have greatly influenced his thoughts. These events tell us why he believes the way he does. He was born on May 25, 1803 to a Unitarian minister (Johnson 132).…
