Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 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.

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 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.

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 author's purpose differs in Chapter I of Nature and Society and Solitude? a. Nature is an essay in praise of nature's sublimity, while Society and Solitude is an essay in praise of being alone. b. Nature wishes to convince readers that understanding the natural world is more important than human relationships, while Society and Solitude is an attempt to warn readers against too much solitude. c. Nature suggests that humans should live in nature, while Society and Solitude argues in favor of living in the city. d. Nature portrays the world of nature as superior to the social world, while Society and Solitude argues that nature can help individuals be more content within society.

d. Nature portrays the world of nature as superior to the social world, while Society and Solitude argues that nature can help individuals be more content within society.