In what way was ralph waldo emerson important in henry david thoreau's professional life?

a. emerson criticized thoreau's work, which led to a long-standing rivalry.
b. emerson was the one who paid thoreau's poll tax, which freed him from prison.
c. thoreau could not find a publisher for his books and relied on emerson's influence.
d. thoreau lived on emerson's land, which was the subject of one of his books.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was important on Henry´s life since as him could not find a publisher for his books, he relied on Emerson's influence, taking him as a mentor and friend. After a while he became Emerson´s protégé, that's why Emerson's beliefs and idealism were strong influences on Henry´s work.

Explanation:

Emerson was Henry´s major influence, they were both involved into a philosophical movement called "Transcendentalism". But Henry was exposed to this movement thanks to Emerson, who teach him the importance of empirical thinking and spiritual matters. He was not only his friend but his mentor too, Emerson supported Henry in many ways and promote his literary efforts as well.

c

explanation: