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The World-Soul

From Poems, by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was an American essayist, philosopher, and poet, and a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement. 'The World-Soul' was first published in 1847. The poem reflects Emerson's belief in an Over-Soul or universal spirit animating all of nature and humanity, a force that works through hidden laws and brings perpetual renewal. Emerson's Transcendentalism drew on German idealism, Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, and the Romantic poets, and it shaped a generation of American thought. This poem is worth a senior reader's attention because it asks hard questions about civilisation, nature, divine purpose, and human limitation, and it does so in language that is both beautiful and uncompromising. This text reflects its era.

Band

Red · Complex language and analysisTypical starting range: ages 15–17

Length

long · about 1091 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Poems, Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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