Self-Reliance

How does Emerson define "genius"?

• To have all of the knowledge in the world

• To believe your own thoughts and follow your intuition

• To practice generosity

• To become acquainted with the natural world

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the point of the comparison Emerson makes between the kernel of corn and human effort?

• You must work hard to nurture vegetable crops, just as you must work hard to achieve your potential.

• People cannot survive without food, so we must all work very hard. 

• As corn grows slowly, so it takes a long time for people to realize their potential. 

• A kernel of corn is very small and hard to see. In a similar way, our potential is often hidden and hard to see.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Emerson states that the most sacred part of a person is —

• the work that they accomplish

• the integrity of their individual mind

• their courage to be a nonconformist

• the shadow that they cast on the world

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Emerson says we are “ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents" (1). Which of the following items best describes what he means by “that divine idea”?

• An image of the world

• God

• Each person’s unique character, as conceived by God

• A wonderful and exciting plan of action

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the best paraphrase for "Trust thyself; every heart vibrates to that iron string" (2)?

• Follow your instinct; it's where good art comes from.

• Follow your instinct; all people flourish when following this advice because it's such a steadfast fact of nature.

• Follow your instinct; everyone is depending on you.

• Follow your instinct; God is the iron string that connects us all.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Emerson deduce is the self-reliant person's obligation to the poor?

• To feed and nourish them

• To pray for them

• To share with them your wisdom

• No obligation unless you know and respect them

What is ironic about Emerson's quote that "[Man] dares not to say 'I think, I am,' but quotes some saint or sage"?

• Emerson himself evokes the presence of that of a saint or sage through his quotable, aphoristic style.

• Emerson intends to mean the opposite of this statement (verbal irony).

• Emerson is setting us up to believe that we need to be self-reliant, but he actually intends us to rely on God.

• Emerson himself admits that he developed his understanding of self-reliance by basing his work on the works of others.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which of the following is not one of the four areas where Emerson claims, in the third section (pages 11-15), that self-reliance is most needed?

• Religion

• Art

• Culture

• School

What is the main theme of Emerson's Self-Reliance?

• Authority and obedience

• Collectivism and collaboration

• Individualism and self-trust

• Conformity and dependence

What does Emerson say about society and self-reliance?

• Emerson believed that society often hinders individual growth and that true fulfillment comes from relying on oneself rather than conforming to societal norms.

• Emerson believed that society and self-reliance are equally important for individual growth and fulfillment.

• Emerson believed that society is necessary for individual growth and that conforming to societal norms is the key to true fulfillment.

• Emerson believed that self-reliance is overrated and that individuals should always rely on society for guidance.