On Ralph Waldo Emerson's Abolition Politics

By means of biographical-historical approach and close reading,through the exploration of Ralph Waldo Emerson's political practices as a social reformer in general,a sturdy abolitionist in particular,this paper makes an in-depth analysis of Emerson's abolition politics.It is pointed out that Emerson's abolition politics needs a different categorization since it undergoes changes with the development of American society and the Civil War.Bridging the antebellum and postbellum historical context,the thesis reveals the formation of Emerson's abolition politics and its main contents.The thesis consists of six parts.Chapter One explores the family and societal context conducive to the formation of Emerson's abolition politics.Chapter Two elaborates Emerson's abolition politics of sublime.It entails two main strategies.One is the strategy of moral suasion,the other is self-cultivation.Both strategies are meant for improvement of the inner self so as to propel the abolition movement.Chapter Three discusses Emerson's abolition politics of violent coercion.With the Civil War approaching,Emerson shifts his abolition politics from sublime strategy to violently coercive strategy,he realizes that the process of self-improvement is slow,it is high time to urgent appeal to collective action to confront slavery was made.Chapter Four analyzes Emerson's ideas in advocating racial harmony in American society,and his concerns over the future of the black people in postbellum period.The conclusion part sums up Emerson's abolition politics.