“The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, first published in his 1847 collection, Poems, presents a simple fable through a playful quarrel between a mighty mountain and a spunky squirrel to explore themes of perspective, the importance of individual roles, and the interconnectedness of nature. Told in rhyming couplets, the poem’s lighthearted tone belies the deeper philosophical considerations typical of Emerson’s Transcendentalist thought. It emphasizes the value of diverse viewpoints and the inherent worth of all beings within the natural world.

Text: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Mountain and the Squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
“Little prig.”
Bun replied,
“You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.”

Annotations: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Couplet	Key Ideas	Annotations
The Mountain and the Squirrel / Had a quarrel,	* Introduction of conflict*	The poem begins with a personified argument, establishing a playful tone.
And the former called the latter / “Little prig.”	* The Mountain’s insult*	The mountain’s dismissive words suggest its pride and sense of superiority.
Bun replied, / “You are doubtless very big;	* Squirrel’s logical response*	The squirrel (Bun) acknowledges the Mountain’s size but hints at a broader perspective.
But all sorts of things and weather / Must be taken in together	* Importance of diversity*	The squirrel argues that different elements are required for a complete world (“year” and “sphere”).
To make up a year / And a sphere.	* Everything has its place*	This reiterates the necessity of both the grand and the small.
And I think it no disgrace / To occupy my place.	* Self-worth*	The squirrel asserts the value of its own existence and role.
If I’m not so large as you, / You are not so small as I,	* Relativity of size*	Perspective is key – size is relative, not a measure of absolute worth.
And not half so spry: / I’ll not deny you make	Acknowledging strengths	The squirrel admits the Mountain’s strengths even while defending its own.
A very pretty squirrel track. / Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;	* Wisdom of Nature*	Differences in ability are natural and have purpose; there’s a balance.
If I cannot carry forests on my back, / Neither can you crack a nut.”	* Limits and capabilities*	The squirrel highlights that everyone has both strengths and limitations.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Literary/Poetic Device	Definition	Example from “The Mountain and the Squirrel”
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds at the start of words	“Mountain and the Squirrel”, “pretty squirrel prints”
Allegory	A poem with a symbolic meaning beyond the literal	The whole poem represents the value of different perspectives & roles in the world.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses	“And I think…”, “If I cannot…”
Anthropomorphism	Giving human qualities to non-human things	The mountain and squirrel talk and argue.
Antithesis	Placement of contrasting ideas next to each other	“large as you” / “small as I”
Apostrophe	Addressing an inanimate object or absent person as if present	The squirrel directly addresses the Mountain.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within words	“mountain and the squirrel”
Couplet	Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme	The poem is made of rhyming couplets (e.g., “quarrel” / “squirrel”)
Diction	The author’s choice of words.	Emerson uses informal, conversational words (“Bun”, “prig”) for a playful tone.
Dialogue	Conversation between characters	The poem consists of a dialogue between the squirrel and the mountain.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis	“carry forests on my back”
Imagery	Vivid language appealing to the senses	“squirrel track”, “crack a nut”
Metaphor	Implied comparison between unlike things	The argument represents the broader concept of differing viewpoints.
Mood	The emotional atmosphere of a poem	The poem’s mood is playful but thoughtful.
Personification	Giving inanimate objects human qualities	The Mountain and Squirrel are personified with the ability to speak and have opinions.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis	“And I think…” emphasizes the squirrel’s perspective.
Rhyme	Words with the same ending sounds	The poem has a consistent AABB rhyme scheme.
Rhyme Scheme	The pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines	The poem uses a simple AABB rhyme scheme (quarrel/squirrel, big/prig, etc.)
Symbolism	An object or image representing something else	The Mountain represents power/grandeur; the Squirrel represents agility/smallness. These symbolize the variety of roles in the world.
Tone	The author’s attitude towards their subject	Emerson’s tone is whimsical and gently instructive.

Themes: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Theme	Explanation
Humility and Perspective	The squirrel, though small, does not feel inferior to the mountain. It recognizes its own unique value and purpose. This promotes an understanding that all beings, no matter how large or small, have a rightful place within the order of the world.
The Importance of Individual Roles	The poem suggests that everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to make. The mountain cannot crack a nut, and the squirrel cannot carry a forest. The world functions at its best when individuals focus on executing their own particular roles well.
Interdependence	Emerson hints at a world where all elements, big and small, rely upon each other. Both the mountain and the squirrel are integral parts of an interconnected system. The poem invites us to consider how seemingly disparate beings are united.
Subjective Perception	The mountain calls the squirrel a “prig,” implying insignificance, but the squirrel retorts by valuing its own agility and usefulness. This conflict underscores that how we perceive the world is shaped by our own biases and positions.

Literary Theories and “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Literary Theory	Explanation	Examples from the Poem
Formalism	Focuses on the poem’s structure, form, and literary devices to understand meaning.	* Rhyme Scheme: The ABAB pattern enforces a playful, argumentative tone. * Meter: Alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and trimeter mimic the back-and-forth debate. * Symbolism: The mountain (immovable, imposing) and the squirrel (small, nimble) represent contrasting ideas.
Transcendentalism	(Emerson was a key figure in this movement). Emphasizes intuition, the divine within nature, and individual experience.	* Nature as Teacher: The squirrel, a part of nature, teaches the mountain (and the reader) about finding value despite size. * Self-reliance: The squirrel boldly asserts its own worth, mirroring the Transcendentalist value of self-trust.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on how the reader experiences and interprets the poem.	* Ambiguity: Is the poem just a fable, or a commentary on societal hierarchies? Different readers will have varying reactions. * Individual Connection: A reader struggling with self-worth may find the squirrel’s argument empowering.
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the environment.	* Nature’s Balance: The poem highlights how both vast and tiny creatures are integral to the ecosystem. * Perspective Shift: Readers are prompted to see the world from the underappreciated squirrel’s viewpoint.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements: “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Short Questions/Answers about “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Q1: What sparks the argument between the mountain and the squirrel?
• A1: The mountain insults the squirrel by calling it a “prig,” implying that it’s insignificant and overly self-important. This demonstrates a sense of superiority based on the mountain’s size and immobility.
• Q2: How does the squirrel defend itself?
• A2: The squirrel challenges the mountain’s sense of importance. It points out that the mountain has limitations (“You cannot crack a nut”) and emphasizes its own unique skills and contributions to the greater scheme of things.
• Q3: Why might this poem have been written for children?
• A3: The simple language, animal characters, playful tone, and clear message about valuing oneself make it accessible to young readers. However, the poem delves into deeper themes that adults can appreciate as well.
• Q4: What is the overall message of the poem?
• A4: The poem suggests that everyone has their place and value in the world, regardless of size or perceived importance. It promotes respect for diverse perspectives and highlights the interconnectedness of all things.

Literary Works Similar to “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Aesop’s Fables: Classic fables like “The Lion and the Mouse” or “The Tortoise and the Hare” use animal characters to teach moral lessons about humility, the value of diverse skills, and subverting expectations.
• “The Ant and the Grasshopper” (La Fontaine): This fable contrasts a diligent ant with a carefree grasshopper, highlighting the importance of industriousness and preparation, while subtly commenting on differing perspectives.
• Robert Frost’s “The Mountain” This poem explores the perspective of a mountain, personifying it to reflect on its relationship with the world – a thematic link to Emerson’s work.
• Children’s Poetry with Animal Characters: Works by Beatrix Potter, Dr. Seuss, or A.A. Milne often feature anthropomorphized animals that highlight individuality, acceptance, and finding joy in simple things, aligning with Emerson’s message.
• William Blake’s “The Tyger“ While contrasting in tone, Blake’s poem explores questions of creation, power, and duality – themes that can be connected to the seemingly simple debate in Emerson’s poem when analyzing concepts of perspective and relative power.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “The Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Books

• Buell, Lawrence. Emerson. Cambridge: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2003.
• A comprehensive analysis of Emerson’s major works and his influential role within the Transcendentalist movement.
• Packer, Barbara. The Transcendentalists. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2007.
• Provides historical context and explores core themes of Transcendentalism, situating Emerson as a key figure.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Cavell, Stanley. “Thinking of Emerson.” The Senses of Walden . Expanded ed., North Point Press, 1992, pp 121-138.
• Offers a philosophical reading of Emerson’s writing, delving into his thought processes and intellectual approach.
• Betz, Natalie M. “’Little Things Are Infinite’: Teaching the Minute Particulars in Emerson’s ‘The Mountain and the Squirrel.’” The Concord Saunterer: A Journal of Thoreau Studies, vol. 24, 2016, pp. 71–90.
• Examines the poem’s pedagogical value and its emphasis on close observation as a means to uncover deeper truths.

Online Resources

• The Ralph Waldo Emerson Society: https://emersonsociety.org/
  • Provides a wealth of resources, critical essays, and scholarly materials dedicated to Emerson’s work and philosophy.