What is the primary thesis of Emerson's 1837 oration 'The American Scholar'?
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Correct answer: American thinkers must cultivate a national identity independent of European traditions
Often called America's 'Intellectual Declaration of Independence,' this speech urged American scholars to find inspiration in their own experiences and nature. Emerson argued against the 'courtly muses of Europe' in favor of original American thought.
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More Ralph Waldo Emerson questions
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