Ralph Waldo Emerson

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What attitude toward the stars does Emerson express in the first paragraph of Chapter I of Nature?

He feels they represent awe-inspiring beauty.

How does the relationship between "man and vegetable" described in paragraph five of Chapter I of Nature support the piece's central idea?

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

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.

But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and what he touches. One might think the atmosphere was made transparent with this design, to give man, in the heavenly bodies, the perpetual presence of the sublime. Seen in the streets of cities, how great they are! If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile. The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. In this excerpt, Emerson is making the claim that

People often take natural phenomena such as stars for granted

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.

Which statement best describes how the tone of Society and Solitude is different from the tone of Chapter I of Nature?

Society and Solitude has a contemplative tone, while Nature has a more lyrical and whimsical tone. It suggests that the relationship between humans and nature is mystical but also unquestionable.

How is the concept of solitude portrayed in both Society and Solitude and Chapter I of Nature?

Solitude is viewed as a source of strength.

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.


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