Emerson mentions how the landscape is viewable by all men. However, he does specify that the poet owns the landscape. The landscape is owned by the poet because only the poet can properly do the landscape justice and reveal its deepest truths in a way that respects nature. He is able to respect nature by providing an honest and unfiltered perspective. Emerson says that only the poet can “integrate all the parts” of the landscape. This demonstrates his belief that poets have the power to implement the big picture while also all of the small details within their writing, whereas other owners might only see one side to the property. For example, a farm owner might only appreciate the produce his/her property provides him/her, while the poet, paying attention to all parts of the landscape, can figuratively show his/her gratitude of everything the landscape offers through their writing. In addition, Emerson mentions how the landscape is separated into different parts to show the significance of each section. The farm and fields provide food while the woodland’s creatures maintain a balance in nature. By doing this Emerson is able to emphasize how these different components need to come together to thrive as one setting: the landscape. This connects to the poet and his/her purpose in creating a flow that illustrates each part and its beauty while at the same time, portraying the entire system as a whole.
While property can physically be owned by a person with a contract binding relationship, the landscape belongs to the poet in a metaphorical way so as that the poet can cherish the landscape as any other owner would cherish their property. Another difference in the ownership relationship between the landscape and the poet is that the poet does not truly the own the area, meaning they have no obligations toward it. Their sole responsibility is to depict it so that others can see its purpose and virtues. Like nature, the landscape cannot be owned by man. Its fields can be watered and its soil dug but it cannot be owned as it is its own owner. So, the poet can own the landscape in the sense that they know how it should be seen in the public eye by describing it in their work in the rawest and purest way. The poet can never physically own it, because the landscape already belongs to nature.


