Gifts

“Gifts” Answers

1. According to Emerson, the only gift, “…is a portion of thyself.” This means that only personal gifts should be given. Gifts should, “…represent your life and talent.” So thus, buying a gift isn’t ideal, while making a gift is more personal and full of meaning. Another good point is that you should give a gift without needing to see a satisfied reaction from the receiver.
Also according to Emerson, you should not show emotion of satisfaction or disappointment when receiving a gift. You should also never say thanks and never praise the one who gives you a gift.
2. Emerson talks about how we, the people, don’t understand the real concept of a gift. He even puts himself as an example in his points and shows us that it’s human to make mistakes when giving gifts. He also says that we accuse society if it does not give us, “…opportunity, love, reverence, and objects of veneration.”
3. Emerson uses real examples that we can connect with to understand that he’s critiquing our misunderstanding of the meaning of gifts. He tells us about how some people buy gifts that lack significance and value. He mentions how, “They eat your service like apples and leave you out.” What he’s saying is that we overvalue the effects of giving a gift to someone, and in return, we don’t get anything back. In conclusion, Emerson made it clear that gifts are to be understood well.

Statement with Personal Example”

“The only gift is a portion of thyself”

Hugs would be a good example for an Emersonian gift, but, you don't give that to someone as a birthday present. You give a portion of your love to the hugged one and in return, they hug you back and you don’t feel left out like Emerson’s example of apples. You would give the gift of a hug when they make you happy, or if they need some consolation. I would get a slap in the face if that was my excuse for a birthday present, so, learn from this piece of wisdom, even though it might not be as insightful as Emerson's pieces of wisdom.