Emerson's Literary Philosophy

Hosseini argues that Emerson's literary philosophy is a spiritual exercise that seeks to revolutionize our ways of seeing through moral persuasion and literary excellence. He explores Emerson's provocative style, thoughts on "scholarly action," religious temperament, and engagement with classical Persian poets, establishing his "literary humanism" as informed by Persian Adab.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 163 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate relationship between Ralph Waldo Emerson's literary philosophy and his belief in the spiritual exercise of philosophy. It argues that Emerson's literary philosophy is characterized by his unwavering conviction that moral persuasion and literary excellence are intrinsically linked. Through a compelling analysis, Hosseini persuades the reader that Emerson's project can be seen as an extension of Socrates' call for a return to the origins of philosophy, with the aim of revolutionizing our ways of seeing from within.

Examining Emerson's provocative style of writing, Hosseini reveals that his prose is driven by a desire to evoke psychagogia, or influence the soul through the power of words. This book also explores the evolving nature of Emerson's thoughts on "scholarly action" and its profound implications. It delves into his religious temperament, characterized by an aesthetic experience of the world through wonder, and the reasons behind his profound acknowledgment of despair in his essay "Experience."

In the concluding chapter, Hosseini delves into the depth of Emerson's engagement with the classical Persian poets, highlighting the influence of Persian Adab on his "literary humanism." He demonstrates how Emerson's perspective is enriched by the writings of Rumi, Hafiz, and Saadi, exemplifying his way of seeing as refreshingly relevant in the modern world. By weaving together themes from Persian philosophy and Emersonian transcendentalism, Hosseini establishes Emerson's way of seeing as a timeless and profound exploration of human nature and the search for meaning.

This book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Emerson and his literary legacy, shedding light on the intricate connections between philosophy, literature, and the human experience. It encourages readers to re-examine Emerson's writings in a new light and appreciate his profound insights into the nature of existence, morality, and the power of language to shape our worldviews.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030549817
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021