Imagery and rhythm and rhyme

In this section of the study guide, we will discuss the imagery and rhythm and rhyme of “A Nation’s Strength” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Imagery

Imagery and metaphors are usually used to strenghten the meaning of a text and have the purpose of decoration. In “A Nation’s Strength” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, several other figures of speech are also used.

Metaphors

The first metaphor used is in the first line of the first stanza of the poem. The word “pillars” (l. 1) creates the metaphor of a building; the poet associates a nation with a building which needs to have a strong foundation in order not to collapse:

“What makes a nation’s pillars high
And it’s foundations strong?” (ll. 1-2)

Then, the metaphor of the sinking sand strengthens the idea that a nation needs to have a strong foundation, one made of “abiding rock” (l. 9).

The metaphor of a building is further extended in the third stanza as well, when “rust” (l. 13) and “dust” (l. 11) are mentioned. This metaphor helps readers imagine a decaying house which lacks proper care and a proper strong structure.

Symbols

In the poem, several elements symbolize the decay of past nations. For instance, the “sword” (l. 11) symbolizes war and the thirst for blood. History has exp...