Lesson 2: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Which best states how the concept of trust is portrayed in Chapter I of Nature and in Society and Solitude? a. Nature implies suspicion of others but does not state it, while Society and Solitude states directly that suspicion of others is natural. b. Nature advocates skepticism of all others, while Society and Solitude suggests that it is nobler to be more trusting. c. Nature indicates that few individuals trust each other, while Society and Solitude suggests that trust is the glue that holds a society together. d. Nature suggests that skepticism is healthy, while Society and Solitude suggests that study of nature makes one less skeptical.

A) 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? a. Regardless of how tightly bound communities may seem, each person is ultimately alone. b. Communities are important for the well-being of the individuals that comprise them. c. People live in communities for the purpose of friendship, but nothing else is gained from them. d. Communities are the foundation of human society, and without them people would perish.

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

Which statement best summarizes the final two paragraphs of Chapter I of Nature? a. The power in nature that one perceives is due both to nature and to one's own intelligence. b. One is repeatedly struck by the ability of nature to affect one's mind and body. c. Much of nature is truly beautiful and has an overwhelming effect on one's mind and body. d. One may appreciate the great beauty of nature but is unable to fully understand it.

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

Which best summarizes the role of conversation expressed in Society and Solitude? a. Conversation is a way for two people who are strangers to find out if they can share the same community. b. Conversation has the power to either affirm or destroy the connections between people. c. In conversation, two individuals are able to assess each other's degree of honesty. d. In conversation, people often reveal unique and quirky aspects of their personalities.

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

Read the excerpt from Society and Solitude. 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? a. It is impossible to practice solitude and be a part of society, and a person must choose one. b. In order to balance society and solitude, one must maintain both independence and sympathy for others. c. Being a part of society is preferable to being in solitude, as long as one has sympathy for others. d. Practicing solitude is preferable to being part of society, because it allows a person to maintain independence.

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

Which is the best summary of Emerson's view of solitude expressed in Society and Solitude? a. Spending time in solitude is preferable to spending time in society, and it is ultimately more beneficial. b. Though solitude is not necessarily valuable in and of itself, it is important to recognize its significance within a larger community. c. Solitude can be beneficial in that it allows the mind to contemplate necessary and difficult questions. d. Only through spending time in solitude and in deep observation of the natural world can one find happiness within society.

B) 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? a. It is very difficult to fully enjoy nature by oneself. b. To experience nature at its fullest requires mental effort. c. No human being can fully and truly experience nature. d. The enjoyment of nature is something that takes practice.

B) To experience nature at its fullest requires mental effort.

Which statement would be included in a summary of the first paragraph of Chapter I of Nature? a. There are numerous stars in the sky at night that one can see. b. Looking at the stars in the city makes them seem impressive. c. The stars at night are beautiful but sometimes unappreciated. d. Looking at the stars can teach one about the design of the universe.

C) The stars at night are beautiful but sometimes unappreciated.

How does the relationship between "man and vegetable" described in paragraph five of Chapter I of Nature support the piece's central idea? a. It indicates that a better relationship with the natural world would help improve human society. b. It suggests that humans don't spend nearly enough time thinking about or studying nature. c. It urges readers to learn more about plants and trees so they can cultivate them more effectively. d. It suggests that the relationship between humans and nature is mystical but also unquestionable.

D) It suggests that the relationship between humans and nature is mystical but also unquestionable.

Which statement best summarizes the fourth paragraph of Chapter I of Nature? a. There is nothing quite as beautiful and mysterious as nature at its most sublime, so nature should never be developed. b. Though it can be difficult to understand nature's workings, the rewards for doing so are great. c. Because nature is truly beautiful, even sublime, human beings feel inferior about their own endeavors. d. Truly experiencing and absorbing the beauty of nature can have a healing effect on the mind and body.

D) Truly experiencing and absorbing the beauty of nature can have a healing effect on the mind and body.

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