Emerson & Self-Reliance

Which of the following best summarizes a central idea of the text?

• All of society's evils can be traced back to a lack of education and spiritual guidance, as well as an inability to trust one's own judgment.

• People should refuse to blindly follow other people's ideas, and should instead think and act for themselves.

• Average individuals are smarter and stronger than so-called "geniuses" because they are content with their everyday lives.

• Greatness comes from refusing to participate in larger society, retreating to the woods, and living freely as one's own person. 

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CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Question 1?

• "Misunderstood! It is a right fool's word. Is it so bad then to be misunderstood?"

• "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist... Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind." 

• "It is a deliverance which does not deliver. In the attempt his genius deserts him; no muse befriends; no invention, no hope." 

• "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents."

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How do the two italicized quotes at the beginning of the excerpt contribute to the passage's development of ideas?

• Both quotes stress that people's fates are determined by the divine, or God, and that humans must accept this in order to feel free.

• Both quotes utilize natural imagery, such as stars and the divine, both of which are prevalent ideas in Emerson's works.

• Both quotes emphasize individualism and controlling one's own fate, advising that people should see themselves as their "own star" of guidance. 

• Both quotes emphasize that people should trust themselves and become their "own star" to guide them during times of crisis.

According to Emerson's essay, how does society affect the development of individualism? 

• Society conspires against individuals by robbing them of their money and thus their independence. 

• Society drowns out individuals because when everyone voices their opinions at once, they fail to listen to others.

• Society interferes with self-reliance by limiting one's freedoms and forcing people to conform

• Society promotes superficial concerns but avoids traditions upheld by individuals and communities.

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CCSS.W.11-12.9

What is a hobgoblin?

• A ball of phlegm

• A type of mushroom

• A magical creature that eats children

• A mischievous fairy or pixie

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CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

Which is NOT an example of "Foolish Consistency"?

• • Continuing a certain behavior because "that's the way it's always been done."

• • Following the paved road of conventional wisdom for fear of following (and possibly failing in) your own path.

• • Failing to look at ideas from a different perspective because they don't match your pre-conceived (and possibly distorted) views of the world.

• Daily, getting to school or work on time, prepared for the job and the experience.

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Emerson was "The Father" of what philosophy?

• Transcendentalism

• Transatlanticism

• Transfiguration

• Transgenderism

Emerson believed that in order to achieve enlightenment, one must...

• Go to church

• Study philosophy

• Train the mind

• Get out in nature

Which is NOT one of the five main ideas in "Self- Reliance"?

• Trust Thyself

• Royal You

• Courageous Actions

• Non-Conformity

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CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2