Ralph Waldo Emerson - American Individualism

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.

In this excerpt, Emerson is making the claim that: A. People often take natural phenomena such as stars for granted. B. The natural beauty of stars is best appreciated when it's contrasted by the unnatural beauty of cities. C. Seeing how many stars there are in the sky can comfort people who are feeling lonely and isolated. D. Looking at the stars can be close to a religious experience.

A. People often take natural phenomena such as stars for granted.

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 statement best describes the imagery in Chapter I of Nature and in Society and Solitude? A. Both primarily use metaphor and simile. B. Both use a majority of natural images. C. Neither uses images related to cities or towns. D. Much of the imagery in both is highly symbolic.

B. Both use a majority of natural images.

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 is the concept of solitude portrayed in both Society and Solitude and Chapter I of Nature? A. Solitude is acknowledged as unnecessary. B. Solitude is encouraged by most people in society. C. Solitude is viewed as a source of strength. D. Solitude is considered to be of little value.

C. Solitude is viewed as a source of strength.

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.

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.