"Education" SOAPST

S- educational reform, philosophy

O- American Scholar, 1800s

A- readers of American Scholar, educators, parents

P- to persuade, to educate

S- Ralph Waldo Emerson

T- philosophical, confident, professional, passionate, concerned 

a.                                      A general depiction of the overall SOAPST of the piece allows readers to gain a wealth of background knowledge on the literature, therefore becoming familiarized with it and increasing their chances of comprehension and acceptance. Understanding the subject of Emerson's "Education" allows the reader to more avidly comprehend his complex concepts and passionately proposed ideas. It forms the pathway to the complete comprehension of the piece, and one cannot judge the validity of any piece of literature, especially one meant to persuade, without fully grasping its purpose and meaning. By seeing that this piece was written in the 1800s, one is able to see the reason behind the language, as it is greatly influenced by its time. The purpose, to persuade and educate, may cause the reader to perceive the writing a different way; rather than taking offense or being drawn back due to such direct ideas and suggestions, the reader may take it as it is, a piece made to pass on knowledge and open possibilities for a wider field of thought and opinion. Ralph Waldo Emerson, is known by a majority of people worldwide as one of America's strongest minds and literary/philosophical influences. Therefore, as the author of this piece, he holds automatic ethos with the audience. The overall aspects of the tone present the idea of a writer and his writing as assured yet not overly forceful. The author presents ideas in a manner that is meant to educate, and not solely criticize or offend.

b.                                      The main purpose of Emerson’s “Education” is to, fittingly, educate his principal audience of educators and parents on what he believes to be the proper way to instruct children by using the his proposed “natural method” (Shea, 191). Such a topic appeals profoundly to his targeted audience, as they, in any society, naturally show the most concern on such values. By speaking of a topic as significant as the education and shaping of a generation that will soon and continuously replace the current, Emerson makes proper use of pathos, appealing to society's concern and tenderness towards the youth and future of tomorrow. These facts, alongside Emerson’s passionate concern and knowledge, as well as his connection with human nature and innately appealing natural forms of education serve to show that his “Education” piece is in fact effective in reference to its audience and proposed purpose.