Discuss the idea of conformity vs. nonconformity in the works of Emerson and Thoreau. Give consideration to these things in your answer:
how the transcendentalists view man
Emerson’s concept of “man thinking” and a “foolish consistency”
what it means in their eyes to really be a “man” (think of Self-Reliance and the “different drummer” quote)
how society affects the individual
obstacles that keep a person from truly being himself
the general lesson about conformity that can be drawn from the path Thoreau wore between his house and the pond
how Thoreau defines true success
Thoreau’s story of the beautiful bug
