First, discuss the idea of conformity vs. nonconformity in the works of Emerson and Thoreau. Give consideration to these things in your answer:

• how the transcendentalists view man
• Emerson's concept of "man thinking" and a "foolish consistency"
• what it means in their eyes to really be a "man" (think of Self-Reliance and the "different drummer" quote)
• how society affects the individual
• obstacles that keep a person from truly being himself 
• the general lesson about conformity that can be drawn from the path Thoreau wore between his house and the pond
• how Thoreau defines true success
• Thoreau's story of the beautiful bug