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Rhodora

Rhodora

9.9
A poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that describes the beauty of a purple wild flower
  • proper noun
  • /ˈroʊdərə/
  • Literature
: Rhodora
  • The beauty of the flower in Rhodora inspired many readers to appreciate nature.

Examples

  • I recently read Rhodora by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

  • Emerson's Rhodora explores the idea of beauty existing for its own sake.

  • Many students read Rhodora when studying American poetry in school.

  • Have you ever analyzed Rhodora in class?

  • In his poem Rhodora, Emerson captures the delicate beauty of the rhodora flower.

  • The Rhodora is celebrated in literature for its vivid color and ephemeral nature.

  • Many readers find deep meaning in Rhodora, as it reflects on the fleeting beauty of life.

Surface Forms

Rhodora main

Etymology

Rhodora comes from the Greek root rhod- meaning 'rose' and was used as the name of a wild flower similar to a small rhododendron. Emerson chose that flower's name for his poem, so Rhodora points both to the flower itself and to the poem's focus on simple natural beauty.