Ralph Waldo Emerson's poetry has often faced criticism for being overly sanctimonious and awkward, in stark contrast to the depth and honesty found in his essays. William Dean Howells highlights this paradox, noting the difficulty in fully appreciating Emerson's poetic inspiration. Furthermore, Emerson's works, particularly the poem 'Waldeinsamkeit,' touch upon the themes of isolation and belonging, yet often overlook the emotional scars associated with profound loss, such as the grief from his son's death.
Even those of us who enjoy Ralph Waldo Emerson will apologize for his poetry. His essays-most of which began as lectures-are erudite but predominantly concerned with honesty and connection.
Mr. Emerson, perhaps, more than any other modern poet, gives the notion of inspiration; so that one doubts, in reading him, how much to praise or blame.
We rarely meet the philosopher who broke down after the death of his son: 'I grieve that grief can teach me nothing, nor carry me one step into real nature.'
'Waldeinsamkeit' is a term that connotes the mutual compounding of isolation and belonging that the term connotes. It is more like: 'The further that a traveler ventures into the woods, the less lonely they feel.'
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