1. Aphorisms: Emerson is famous for his concise and memorable statements that express a general truth or principle. He peppers "Self-Reliance" with these aphoristic pronouncements, often using them as starting points for further exploration.
Examples:
* "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
* "To be great is to be misunderstood."
* "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."
* "What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think."
2. Rhetorical Questions: Emerson frequently employs rhetorical questions to engage the reader, challenge their assumptions, and encourage them to think critically about his ideas.
Examples:
* "Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises to arrive at our goal?"
* "What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"
* "What does it signify if a man gets how many feet of land, or millions of dollars?"
Why these devices are effective in "Self-Reliance":
* Aphorisms: They distill complex ideas into easily digestible and quotable statements. They act as memorable hooks, drawing the reader into Emerson's arguments.
* Rhetorical Questions: These force the reader to actively consider Emerson's points and engage with his arguments on a deeper level. They challenge assumptions and encourage introspection.
By employing these devices, Emerson makes his complex ideas more accessible and engaging for a wider audience, making "Self-Reliance" a lasting and influential work of American literature.