Ralph Waldo Emerson Answers

1

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

A

He feels that they should only appear occasionally.

B

He feels that they are impossible to understand.

C

He feels that looking at them makes one mournful.

D

He feels they represent awe-inspiring beauty.

2

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Read the excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature.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. Emerson claims that stars are similar to dreams by stating they are

A

“always present, they are inaccessible”

B

“seen in the streets of cities”

C

“the perpetual presence of the sublime”

D

“envoys of beauty, and light the universe”

3

Which statement best describes Emerson’s opinion of communities, according to the first paragraph of Society and Solitude?

A

Regardless of how tightly bound communities may seem, each person is ultimately alone.

B

Communities are important for the well-being of the individuals that comprise them.

C

People live in communities for the purpose of friendship, but nothing else is gained from them.

D

Communities are the foundation of human society, and without them people would perish.

4

Read the excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature.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. Emerson claims that stars are similar to dreams by stating they are

A

“always present, they are inaccessible”

B

“seen in the streets of cities”

C

“the perpetual presence of the sublime”

D

“envoys of beauty, and light the universe”

5

How does Emerson relate independence and friendships in Society and Solitude?

A

He indicates that friendship can make independence easier.

B

He considers true independence impossible within a friendship.

C

He feels that independence can strengthen friendships.

D

He views independence as an impulse that works against friendships.

6

Read the excerpt from Society and Solitude.Solitude is impracticable, and society fatal. We must keep our head in the one and our hands in the other. The conditions are met, if we keep our independence, yet do not lose our sympathy. Which best describes Emerson’s argument in this excerpt?

A

It is impossible to practice solitude and be a part of society, and a person must choose one.

B

In order to balance society and solitude, one must maintain both independence and sympathy for others.

C

Being a part of society is preferable to being in solitude, as long as one has sympathy for others.

D

Practicing solitude is preferable to being part of society, because it allows a person to maintain independence.

7

According to the third paragraph of Chapter I of Nature, how does Emerson define the poet’s view of nature?

A

The poet views nature as something that is made by humans.

B

The poet is the only one who genuinely works in nature.

C

The poet sees something in nature that cannot be quantified.

D

The poet is the only one who notices humans’ effect on nature.

8

Which statement best summarizes the final two paragraphs of Chapter I of Nature?

A

The power in nature that one perceives is due both to nature and to one’s state of mind.

B

One is repeatedly struck by the ability of nature to affect one’s mind and body.

C

Much of nature is truly beautiful and has an overwhelming effect on one’s mind and body.

D

One may appreciate the great beauty of nature but is unable to fully understand it.

9

Which best states how the concept of trust is portrayed in Chapter I of Nature and in Society and Solitude?

A

Nature implies suspicion of others but does not state it, while Society and Solitude states directly that suspicion of others is natural.

B

Nature advocates skepticism of all others, while Society and Solitude suggests that it is nobler to be more trusting.

C

Nature indicates that few individuals trust each other, while Society and Solitude suggests that trust is the glue that holds a society together.

D

Nature suggests that skepticism is healthy, while Society and Solitude suggests that study of nature makes one less skeptical.

10

Which is the best summary of paragraph six of Chapter I of Nature?

A

It is very difficult to fully enjoy nature by oneself.

B

To experience nature at its fullest requires mental effort.

C

No human being can fully and truly experience nature.

D

The enjoyment of nature is something that takes practice.

11

Which statement would be included in a summary of the first paragraph of Chapter I of Nature?

A

There are numerous stars in the sky at night that one can see.

B

Looking at the stars in the city makes them seem impressive.

C

The stars at night are beautiful but sometimes unappreciated.

D

Looking at the stars can teach one about the design of the universe.

12

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

A

Solitude is acknowledged as unnecessary.

B

Solitude is encouraged by most people in society.

C

Solitude is viewed as a source of strength.

D

Solitude is considered to be of little value.

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