English 11 | Unit 2

Which best summarizes the role of conversation expressed in Society and Solitude?

Conversation has the power to either affirm or destroy the connections between people.

How does Emerson relate independence and friendships in Society and Solitude?

He feels that independence can strengthen friendships.

Solitude is impracticable, and society fatal. We must keep our head in the one and our hands in the other. The conditions are met, if we keep our independence, yet do not lose our sympathy. Which best describes Emerson's argument in this excerpt?

In order to balance society and solitude, one must maintain both independence and sympathy for others.

Which best states how the concept of trust is portrayed in Chapter I of Nature and in Society and Solitude?

Nature implies suspicion of others but does not state it, while Society and Solitude states directly that suspicion of others is natural.

Which statement best describes Emerson's opinion of communities, according to the first paragraph of Society and Solitude?

Regardless of how tightly bound communities may seem, each person is ultimately alone.

According to the third paragraph of Chapter I of Nature, how does Emerson define the poet's view of nature?

The poet sees something in nature that cannot be quantified.

Which statement best summarizes the final two paragraphs of Chapter I of Nature?

The power in nature that one perceives is due both to nature and to one's own intelligence.

Which statement would be included in a summary of the first paragraph of Chapter I of Nature?

The stars at night are beautiful but sometimes unappreciated.

Which is the best summary of Emerson's view of solitude expressed in Society and Solitude?

Though solitude is not necessarily valuable in and of itself, it is important to recognize its significance within a larger community.

Which is the best summary of paragraph six of Chapter I of Nature?

To experience nature at its fullest requires mental effort.

argument

a debatable claim that an author makes and supports with reasoning and evidence

transcendentalism

the belief that individuals should rise above the conformity and corruptions of society

summarize

to concisely restate the central ideas of a longer text using one's own words

paraphrase

to restate in one's own words