Transcendentalism Review

Which of these suggests a meaning for Emerson's words from Nature: "In the woods is perpetual youth"?

• People feel refreshed and young in the woods.

• The woods attracts those who don't like to grow up.

• Only young people like to walk in the woods.

• The natural world is found only in the woods.

What can you infer about the poet's attitude from these lines in "Song of Myself"?

These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing...

• Whitman believes that he can predict what people who read his poetry in the future will think

• Whitman believes that his observations are, in some sense, universally shared.

• Whitman is pleased to acknowledge that he borrowed ideas in "Song of Myself from another poet.

• Whitman thinks that his poetry is worthless if readers disagree with him

What is the “singing” that the speaker hears in “I Hear America Singing”?

• the language of different ethnic groups in the American melting pot

• the songs from foreign lands brought to America by immigrants

• the individuality of Americans in various walks of life

• the poetry of Whitman and other American poets

Which sentence best expresses the central idea of the selection from “Self-Reliance”?

• Meekness is the virtue that fosters self-awareness.

• Social customs serve a valuable purpose.

• Trust your instincts, regardless of what others do.

• Cruelty may be necessary to achieve one’s goals.

In the selection from “Self-Reliance,” what purpose is most likely served by mentioning Socrates, Jesus, and Galileo?

• to encourage readers to learn about historical figures

• to illustrate the idea that individuals are often misunderstood

• to question these figures’ practical contribution to society

• to suggest that these people would all agree with the author’s philosophy

According to the selection from Walden, what is Thoreau’s main reason for moving to a cabin in the woods?

• He wants time to read works of philosophy.

• He wants to write a book about insects.

• He wants to learn how to farm and fish.

• He wants to live life as fully as possible.

What does Thoreau call for at the end of the selection from “Civil Disobedience”?

• a complete overthrow of the legal system

• better government as defined by U.S. citizens

• stricter regulation of trade and commerce

• completely unobstructed railroads

Which statement best expresses the main idea of these sentences in the selection from Walden?

I had not lived there a week before my feet wore a path from my door to the pondside; and though it is five or six years since I trod it, it is still quite distinct.… The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of men; and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity!

• Establishing habits makes daily living easier.

• Living far away from friends is good discipline.

• Humans fall into dull routines all too readily.

• Everyone should march to the same tune.

Which of Thoreau’s philosophical assumptions is implicit in this statement from Walden?

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

• People should have a few close friends.

• People should appreciate music.

• People should behave as others do.

• People should live as individuals.