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. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

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.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

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