Thesis: The readings of the works of Thoreau, Whitman, Dickenson, Frost and others demonstrate the ideals of the American Dream were forged in nature through self-reliance and individualism. All of these authors - and others including Jeffers, Ginsberg, and Collins - convey themes whose essence is self-reliance and individuality, often connected to nature. In the words of Emerson in "Self-Reliance": Net e quaesiveris extra ("do not seek outside yourself; look within). Promoting self-reliance and expressing brilliant individuality in their works; these authors all view conformity and social institutions (society) as the death of individualism.
1. Emerson and Self-Reliance
2. Theme and thesis of research.
II. Nature & The American Dream
a. Nature as individual self-reliance.
b. Nature as spiritual connection.
a. Society as imposition on individual/nature.
b. Nature as connection to individuality.
III. Self & The American Dream
a. Individualism as self-contained spirit.
b. Individualism as external self-promotion.
a. Individualism as conflict with society.
b. Individualism as interior self-expression.
IV. Broken Promises & The American Dream
a. Self-reliance as protest against institutions.
b. Individualism as threat to social institutions.
a. Perversion of ideals as death of individualism
b. Hope of redemption through renewed sense of self.
a. Conformity as death of self-expression.
b. Materialism as death of nature.
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