Independence Day

As part of his strategy to use logic and appeal to Paul’s intellect, Frank brings along a copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self Reliance. Frank mentions the classic work of American Transcendentalism multiple times in the opening chapters and quotes from it often, both to Paul and in his internal monologues. For example, early in Chapter 1, Frank quotes Emerson’s statement, “To be great is to be misunderstood” (6). Frank uses this line as part of his discussion of the presidential election between Michael Dukakis and George H.W. Bush.

Self-Reliance situates the reader and helps them understand what makes Frank tick. When he pulls from Emerson, the quotes are often squeezed to fit into whatever he is discussing. The book does not serve as a companion to this novel, nor does it provide any real analogous significance. Instead, the references to Emerson draw attention to Frank’s values. When he quotes from Emerson, the reader has a broader understanding of how Frank is trying to live his life—namely, his drive toward independence and not having to rely on others for sustenance in his life.