Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who was a central figure in the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He is best known for his essays and lectures on the nature of individualism, self-reliance, and the divinity of nature. His works helped to shape American literature and philosophy, and he became one of the most influential thinkers of his time. 

Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University in 1821. He became a Unitarian minister in 1826 but resigned in 1832 due to philosophical differences with the church. He began to focus on his writing and became known for his speeches and lectures on various topics, including politics, history, and literature. 

Emerson's writing profoundly impacted American culture, and his works were widely read and admired by his contemporaries, including Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson. He was also known for his abolitionist views and support for women's suffrage. 

Today, Emerson is still widely read and studied, and his ideas continue to inspire thinkers and writers around the World. 

His emphasis on individualism, self-reliance and the importance of nature has made him one of the most enduring figures in American literature and philosophy. 

The themes in the poem "Nation's Strength" by Ralph Waldo Emerson are as follows: 

The Importance of Human Values

The poem emphasises that a nation's strength lies not in its wealth or power but in the values and virtues of its people. The people who are honest, brave, and hardworking make a nation great. 

The Transience of Wealth and Power

Emerson highlights how wealth and power are fleeting, and the 

The poem "Nation's Strength" by Ralph Waldo Emerson uses several poetic devices, including: 

Metaphor

Emerson uses the metaphor of building pillars to represent the strength of a nation. He also compares the kingdoms to shafts laid on sinking sand, representing wealth and power's fragility.

Repetition

The phrase "Not gold" is repeated throughout the poem to emphasise 

In the poem "A Nation’s Strength," several symbols are used to convey the central theme that the strength and greatness of a nation lie not in its material wealth or military power but in the character of its citizens:

1. Nation’s Pillars: This symbol stands for the elements that uphold a nation's integrity, stability, and strength. It's suggested that these pillars are not material or superficial elements but the virtues of its citizens.
2. Foundations: This represents the underlying principles or values upon which a nation is built. The strength of these foundations ....

1. Pillars - tall upright structures or columns that support the weight of a building or structure.

   The grand entrance of the palace was adorned with marble pillars, exuding a sense of majesty.

2. Foundations - the solid base or groundwork upon which something is built or established.

   The success of any relationship is built upon a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

3. Mighty - possessing great power, strength, or influence; impressive in size or extent.

   The mighty waterfall cascaded down the cliff, creating a breathtaking sight.

4. Defy - to resist or challenge openly; to refuse to obey or conform to.

   The brave protesters marched...........