Abstract: Centering on the connotation, denotation and function of symbols, this paper compares Emerson and Stevens poetics. Emerson's symbols are allinclusive and concrete, while Stevens are concise and abstract; Emerson focuses on both Nature I and Nature II, while Stevens aims straight at Nature II, i.e. the imaginary world. Emerson tries to be a devout preacher, but Stevens openly asserts that religion can be replaced by poetry. The former achieves a lot in advocating symbols; the latter earns his reputation for his poetry of symbols. And both are obsessed with symbols, i.e. the imaginary world which brings us truth, goodness and beauty.