English Traits

"English Traits" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is an analytical essay written in the mid-19th century. The work is structured upon Emerson's travel experiences and reflections on English society during two visits to England. He explores various themes, such as the influence of race, national character, and the social norms that shape English life, aiming to derive broader insights about humanity and culture. The opening of the work recounts Emerson's first visit to England in 1833, where he describes his arrival in London and the initial impressions he formed about the people and the society. Through personal anecdotes and observations, he reflects on the joy of being in a familiar culture while simultaneously recognizing the constraints of societal expectations. He notes his admiration for notable figures in literature and philosophy, like Coleridge and Carlyle, while also pondering the complexities of their character and ideas. Emerson's narrative sets the stage for a contemplative examination of English traits, as he begins to unveil the intricate relationship between geography, culture, and national identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ralph Waldo Emerson, who went by his middle name Waldo, was an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist, and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism and critical thinking, as well as a prescient critic of the countervailing pressures of society and conformity. Friedrich Nietzsche thought he was "the most gifted of the Americans," and Walt Whitman called Emerson his "master".