Course: ELA Grade Level: 11-12

Type: Informational/Explanatory Structure: Analysis

Teaching Task 21: What is Freedom? After reading Anthem by Ayn Rand and excerpts by the Transcendental writers Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, write an essay that addresses the question and analyzes the meaning of the word “Freedom” from the authors’ perspectives, providing examples to clarify your analysis. What conclusion or implications can you draw? A bibliography is required. (L2): In your discussion, address the credibility and origin of sources in view of your research topic. (L3): Identify any gaps or unanswered questions. Performance Level: Meets Expectations

Freedom: One Word, Different Meanings

Jim Morrison, the late lead singer of The Doors, argued, "The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. [.. ..]There can't be any large-scale revolution until there's a personal revolution, on an individual level. It's got to happen inside first." Ayn

Rand, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson would agree with Jim Morrison's view on freedom, with some minuscule differences. Ayn Rand's view on freedom is greatly influenced by her early life in Communist Russia while Thoreau's and Emerson's perspectives on freedom are mainly inspired by their strong Transcendentalist beliefs and morals. Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson can all agree that freedom includes individuality, personal time, and hard work. Although this trio shares many similarities concerning their views on freedom, they do differ from one another and all three fail to acknowledge some aspects in their arguments.

In their works, Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson all express that freedom includes the needs and the wants of the individual. Rand expresses the need for individuality by making the society in Anthem an extreme communist state, where Equality possesses "a head which is too quick," and gets punished for his intelligence since "It is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them " (Rand 2). In his own society, Equality

stands out amongst his fellow citizens because of his higher intellect and receives punishment and scorn because of this. This rule cramps the learning style of each individual since every person learns at their own pace- one course level does not accommodate to everyone. As for Thoreau, he expresses the importance of individuality by talking about how everyone has different pursuits and interests and that others should let them be themselves.

Thoreau advises readers that "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away" (Thoreau, Walden 243-244). Thoreau advises here for people to let others pursue their passions and interests even though they themselves may not want to follow that same calling. Everyone has different passions and interests and others should let them pursue their goals, even if they don't want to follow that path themselves. Finally, concerning Emerson, he emphasizes the value of individuality by explaining how individuality gives a person peace and, possibly, great achievement. He argues this point by explaining in his essay 'Self-Reliance' that "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world..." (225). By this, Emerson means that the most important aspect a man can possess is the courage of speaking boldly and from the heart and if a man does so, he can achieve much. The quote connects to the importance of individuality since the quote implies that a man can earn great success and huge acclaim if he invests in his own ideas and beliefs, ignoring the society around him and their opinions. From their writings, one can accurately claim that Rand,

Thoreau, and Emerson all believe individuality is a major component to preserving the idea and practice of freedom.

In their various writings, Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson all agree that freedom consists of alone time, where a person can express their individuality. Rand conveys the idea that freedom consists of solitude with Equality's tunnel and Equality's feeling of euphoria in the Uncharted Forest. When Equality was his in his tunnel, he felt " the first peace we have known in twenty years" (Rand 7), which conveys the idea that, even though

Equality broke a law (going out into the tunnel alone and thinking by himself, not thinking along with his ' brothers'), he feels at ease for the first time in his life. This specific event in the book tells us that time alone brings a person tranquility and a sense of calm and content, allowing the person to be themselves. When Equality entered the Uncharted Forest, he laughed "as if there were no power left in us save laughter" (Rand 19). This occurence shows that Equality feels joyous, feels free from the restrictions of his brothers and his society. This event in Anthem shows that a person needs some solitude in their life in order to feel free to express themselves and think their own thoughts. Thoreau, on the other hand, suggests the idea that freedom consists of solitude by explaining how men never connect just by standing near one another. In Walden, Thoreau explains this idea: "What sort of space is that which separates a man from his fellows and makes him solitary? I have found that no exertion of the legs can bring two minds closer to one another" (238). By this,

Thoreau means that through solitude, a person connects with their fellow neighbors- a man will not connect with another man just because he sits near him. A person needs solitude not only to discover their individuality, but also to find peace and connect mentally and emotionally to the people around them. The third person in this trio, Emerson, portrays the idea that freedom includes personal time by describing how nature enlightens a person by its untainted purity. Emerson expresses this idea in “Nature” when he writes, "But if a man be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will

separate between him and vulgar things" (219). This quote means that if a man spends time alone in nature and looks up at the stars, his spirit will be cleaned of the stresses and evils of society, thus relaxing the man with its peace and simplicity. This quote explains how a person needs alone time in nature so they can cleanse themselves of the woes and pains of society, and focus on finding their sense of self and their individual thoughts and emotions.

Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson all think freedom contains the key concept of solitude, which ties along with individuality.

All three authors also express that hard work frees a man’s soul and fills him with accomplishment and joy. Rand expresses the idea of freedom including hard work through

Equality's sense of achievement and happiness about the invention he created. In Anthem,

Equality explains that "Only the glass box in our arms is like having a living heart that gives us strength. We have lied to ourselves. We have not built this box for the good of our brothers. We built it for its own sake" (Rand 19). This shows that Equality built the box for himself, not for the benefit for the community- he invented and built the box for selfish reasons, yet he feels no regret and feels no shame for creating this box. This example from

Anthem explains that if a society allows a man to build his own inventions- with his mental and physical strength-, he can contribute to society while feels a sense of worth and joy. As for Thoreau, he explains that freedom includes hard work with a simile comparing cowbirds and cuckoos to other birds. Thoreau uses this example in Walden, which goes like this: 'There is some of the same fitness in a man’s building his own house that there is in a bird’s building its own nest. Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing when they are so

engaged? But alas! we [sic] do like cowbirds and cuckoos which lays their eggs in nests which other birds have built, and cheer no traveler with their chattering and unmusical notes"

(235-236). This simile explains how when a person is hard at work, they fill themselves with happiness and pride, but when they pass the job onto someone else, they rob themselves of that sense of joy and accomplishment. This explains how if a person acts like a cowbird or cuckoo in Thoreau's simile, they deprive themselves of the freedom of doing what they want and from achieving the satisfaction of a job well done. With Emerson, he describes that freedom includes hard work by explaining how hard work paid off for the great thinkers of the world. In his essay 'Self-Reliance', Emerson encourages the reader to pursue their dreams by asking the reader, "Is it so bad to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and

Socrates, and Jesus, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood" (225). This quote is advising readers to follow their dreams and passions, since even though a man and his ideas may be misunderstood in his time, they may greatly impact the future generations. Emerson implies through this quote that freedom lets a man think what he wants, which is not a bad idea since many eccentric thinkers were allowed this freedom and made significant contributions to the world. Hard work is an essential part of freedom according to Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson because it advances society and enlightens everyone.

While all three authors share many similarities (as stated above), Rand focuses more on the subjects of collectivism and objectivism, Thoreau focuses more on the subject of government and society, and Emerson focuses more on the subject of nature and independence. In Anthem, Rand's focus is how collectivism restricts the freedom of the individual and how objectivism benefits a society. Rand points out her argument at the end

of Anthem when Equality states, "And we shall join our hands together when we wish, or walk alone when we so desire. For in the temple of his spirit, each man is alone. Let each man keep his temple untouched and undefiled. Then let him join hands with others if he wishes, but only beyond his holy threshold " (25). This quote explains how man should only associate with his fellow neighbors when and if he so desires and if wants to be alone, then leave him alone- basically, every man should serve themselves unless they want to help others as well. With this quote, Rand conveys the idea of objectivism beating collectivism since a man would act and live better if he willingly served his fellow neighbors rather than if he was forced to do so. Since neither Thoreau nor Emerson grew up in a communist government like Rand, neither of them focus on the subject of collectivism versus objectivism. Thoreau lectures about government though- but rather on a government equal to all men, not collectivism and objectivism. Emerson mentions the topic of government, but only for a brief time. Thoreau, being a man that stands behind his morals, centers his writings on government and technology, how both impact our lives and not necessarily for the better. When Thoreau mentions in Walden that "We don 't ride on the railroad; it rides upon us" (237), it means that people think they control technology when, in reality, technology controls them and they heavily rely on it; technology both improves people's lives by making it easier and burdens their lives as well when it doesn’t work or isn't there. Thoreau also mentions in his other essay "Resistance to Civil Government" that

"Government is at best an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient" (249). Here, Thoreau is explaining that government tries its best to maintain its nation but, mostly, it ends up being a hindrance to the people it rules. Most governments rule with good intentions, but those good intentions

rarely turned into good changes and actions; on the other hand, some governments dictate their people and never consider what the people want. Rand focuses somewhat on the topic of technology in Anthem, but takes on the exact opposite view of Thoreau's "simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!" (Thoreau, Walden 237), not seeing technology as a menace.

Thoreau's friend Emerson fails to mention the subject of technology for the most part, but hints at it in his essay 'Nature' where he advises men to shut off from society and enjoy the simplicity of nature. The main focus for Emerson's works is the subjects of nature and independence. One can conclude that Emerson's essays are about nature and independence from their titles "Nature"and "Self-Reliance" respectively. Since Transcendentalism never influenced Rand, she never references nature save for a symbol of freedom at the end of

Anthem. Thoreau was a Transcendentalist, but, even though Walden takes places in the woods, Thoreau fails to discuss the topic of nature in depth. As for independence, Rand hints at the subject of it at the end of Anthem and Thoreau fails to discuss this topic at any real depth. Because of different views and backgrounds, Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson's views on freedom vary slightly.

Even though each author presents strong arguments for their views on freedom, each of them missed one important point in their opinions. In her book, Rand fails to include some of the benefits of a communist-like society. Thought Anthem, Rand continuously critiques collectivist communities. Even at the end of the book, Rand says that man should only serve himself unless he volunteers himself to help others- she fails to mention how a society would benefit from a collectivist state but rather explains how an individual would benefit from an objectivist government. In his works (in particular "Resistance to Civil

Government"). Thoreau forgets to include how a government would accommodate to all the

needs and wishes of all its citizens. Thoreau dreams of "a State at last which can afford to be just to all men, and to treat the individual with respect of as a neighbor" (Resistance to Civil

Government 254). Thoreau wishes the government gave everyone the same rights and treat all citizens with friendliness and respect. Although this utopian idea sounds appealing, this dream will never come true since everyone holds different beliefs and values, which would give the government a hard time trying to accustom their laws to fit everyone’s “needs”.

Emerson meanwhile never briefs on the subject of technology and how it impacts society and man in a negative manner. In both "Nature" and "Self-Reliance", Emerson never discusses the subject of technology while Thoreau mentions it in Walden by using the metaphor of the railroad and Rand mentions it in Anthem by making Equality's society possess only primitive technology (like carriages instead of cars and candles instead of light bulbs). Even though these authors present strong arguments for their opinions on freedom, each forgets to include certain aspects or discuss the possible counter-arguments.

Every person possesses a different view on freedom and Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson are no exception to this rule. They do share some similarities, like how they believe freedom consists of individuality, free time and hard work. But these three authors also differ from one other in their freedom arguments, since not everyone has the same ideas or mindsets. Even though all three possess intelligence and wisdom, they do miss out on some key points and counter-arguments in their opinions. Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson have excellent viewpoints on freedom, even though they forget some missing links. Overall, these three authors possess great ideas on the subject of freedom.

Works Cited

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Nature." Elements of Literature Fifth Course. Austin: Holt,

Rinehart, and Winston, 2000. 219-221. Print.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." Elements of Literature Fifth Course. Austin:

Holt, Rinehal1, and Winston, 2000. 225. Print.

Rand, Ayn. Anthem. New York: Penguin Group, 1961.

Thoreau, Henry David. "Resistance to Civil Govemment." Elements of Literature Fifth Course.

Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2000. 249-254. Print.

Thoreau, Henry David. "Walden." Elements of Literature Fifth Course. Austin: Holt,

Rinehart, and Winston, 2000. 234-244. Print.

Annotation

Focus 3.5 The essay addresses all aspects of the prompt: defining freedom, characterizing authors’ perceptions of freedom, and identifying authors’ missing aspects of freedom. The writer states: Since neither Thoreau nor Emmerson grew up in a communist government like Rand, neither of them focus on the subject of collectivism versus objectivism. Reading/Research 3.5 The writer provides adequate research, explanations, and consistent textual support from multiple sources that connect back to the thesis: Rand conveys the idea that…; When Thoreau mentions in Walden…; …Emerson encourages the reader to pursue their dreams by asking the reader…. A more thorough analysis of evidence could strengthen the essay. Controlling Idea 3.5 The writer establishes a thesis and clear purpose of the essay: Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson can all agree that freedom includes individuality, personal time, and hard work. Although this trio shares many similarities concerning their views on freedom, they do differ from one another and all three fail to acknowledge some aspects in their arguments. Development 3 The writer clearly identifies how each author perceives freedom while drawing conclusions and implications about gaps or unanswered questions in the texts: Even though each author presents strong arguments for their views on freedom, each of them missed one important point in their opinions. The conclusion is underdeveloped in comparison to the body of the essay: Rand, Thoreau, and Emerson have excellent viewpoints on freedom….Overall, these three authors possess great ideas on the subject of freedom. Additional explanation of the authors’ perceived differences of freedom and analysis of acknowledged gaps would enhance the essay’s development. Organization 3 The writer uses an organizational structure that effectively presents and integrates the information required by the prompt: While all three authors share many similarities…, Rand focuses more…, Thoreau focuses more…, and Emerson focuses more…. The writer’s use of basic transitions helps to guide the reader but does not strengthen connections back to the thesis/purpose: This shows that…, As for Thoreau, and the quote implies. Conventions 3 The writer includes a works cited page and uses appropriate citations. The writer demonstrates an adequate command of Standard English, with some minor errors that affect the readability of the essay (e.g., format of titles and antecedent agreement) Content 3.5 The writer demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of content, but Understanding concepts are unexplained (e.g., Transcendentalism), and characters referenced as examples are sometimes vague (e.g., Equality).

This student would benefit from feedback, discussion, and/or instruction in the following areas: • Integrating quoted material with subtle transitions • Writing a strong conclusion which incorporates the controlling idea