Unity in multiplicity: A comparative study of the humanistic themes in the literature of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Miguel de Unamuno.

摘要

In a technological society, where mechanization usurps mind and memory and where the essence of soul exists more in literature than in life, I have chosen to focus my dissertation on a worthy antidote: a comparative study of the Spanish philosopher Miguel De Unamuno and the American Ralph Waldo Emerson. This study is germane because it embodies the expansion of mind and spirit in a society increasingly ruled by technical wizardry, computerized thought, and digital imagery.; Staunch individualists who advocate the integrity of the individual, Unamuno and Emerson believe that man controls his own destiny. Since we live in a world of surface and superficiality, Unamuno and Emerson discard the evanescent qualities of man's existence in favor of a penetrating study of its deeper recesses. Both insist that man explore his psyche and his soul in a quest to find his true self. Never a puppet, the individual is key. He (or she) must affirm himself through an expansion of consciousness and ultimately declare, "I know who I am."; Unamuno and Emerson build on this common theme and articulate this unity of thought in a multi-faceted exploration of the individual, being and seeming, solitude, society, truth, death, reason, and religion. Although they often travel different roads, I illustrate that the similarities these writers share far outweigh their differences. For example, both are preoccupied with man's function within the social context of his existence. Since most men live by farce and on the temporality of fleeting sensation, according to Unamuno and Emerson, they never dare to penetrate the depths of existence. Being, not seeming then, becomes their common anthem. Reason is a critical component of their mutual quest. But here their paths diverge. Although it is critical to man's quest for truth, Unamuno considers reason a negative force; Emerson sanctifies it.; It is clear then that the individual has much to do in order to reach great heights, and emerge---soul intact---with his being, consciousness, self-reliance and integrity safely in place. After all, to invigorate introspection, consciousness, and self-actualization is the goal of all academics!