Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 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.

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 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 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.

How does Emerson relate independence and friendships in Society and Solitude? a. He indicates that friendship can make independence easier. b. He considers true independence impossible within a friendship. c. He feels that independence can strengthen friendships. d. He views independence as an impulse that works against friendships.

c. He feels that independence can strengthen friendships.

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.

What attitude toward the stars does Emerson express in the first paragraph of Chapter I of Nature? a. He feels that he would like to look at nothing else. b. He feels that they are impossible to understand. c. He feels that looking at them makes one mournful. d. He feels they represent awe-inspiring beauty.

d. He feels they represent awe-inspiring beauty.

Which statement best describes how the tone of Society and Solitude is different from the tone of Chapter I of Nature? a. Society and Solitude has a soft and inviting tone, while Nature has a largely exasperated tone. b. Society and Solitude has a reserved and quiet tone, while Nature has a forceful tone. c. Society and Solitude has a morbid tone, while Nature has a more lighthearted tone. d. Society and Solitude has a contemplative tone, while Nature has a more lyrical and whimsical tone.

d. Society and Solitude has a contemplative tone, while Nature has a more lyrical and whimsical tone.

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.