Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Importance of “the Woods” or “Nature”

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essays “Nature” and his poem “Hamatreya”, due attention is paid to the role of nature in human life. The author is interested in the analysis of the beauty of nature, its laws and the identity it produces. Emerson gives a clear explanation of the importance of “the woods” or “nature” in his writings “Nature” and “Hamatreya”, placing emphasis on the relationship of human beings to the natural environment, the impact of their ownership of the woods and fields, usage of nature, and alteration of the land. Emerson helps to better understand the material needs of human beings, while criticizing their actions. In his poem “Hamatrey”, he writes “I fancy these pure waters and the flags [wild irises] / Know me, as does my dog: we sympathize; / And, I affirm, my actions smack of the soil” (Emerson). He supports his ideas about the important role of nature in his essay, when he says, “Here we find nature to be the circumstance which dwarfs every other circumstance, and judges like a god all men that come to her” (Emerson). Both pieces of writing are aimed at persuading the reader of the need for the study of nature. Emerson believes that God controls nature and allows human beings to enjoy its beauty and resources. He describes different ways used by human beings to meet their basic needs. Nature allows human beings to have a good understanding of the world, because nature communicates with everyone and helps to become more confident and successful in dealing with the natural environment. Emerson writes in his essay, “The aspect of nature is devout. Like the figure of Jesus, she stands with bended head, and hands folded upon the breast. The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship”. He suggests that nature’s power is really huge because it fosters spirituality that shapes human lives and makes them act morally. Thus, both pieces of writing are useful for strengthening the reader’s awareness of the spiritual connection with nature. Nature helps human beings to resolve various problems and make moral decisions due to spirituality that nature generates.  

Works Cited

Emerson, Ralph W. “Hamatreya”. Poetry Foundation. Available from: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52341/hamatreya

Emerson, Ralph W. “Nature”. Essays: Second Series (1844). Available from:http://transcendentalism-legacy.tamu.edu/authors/emerson/essays/nature1844.html

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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