Emerson: Nature & “Self-Reliance”

Name ______date ______period _____

Figurative Language

Text / Metaphor / Imagery / Simile
Definition / A comparison of two unlike things / Words that create a vivid picture for a reader / A comparison of two unlike things using “like,” “as,” or another comparative word
Examples / “Society is a joint-stock company” / “in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky” / “a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough”
Nature
“Self-Reliance”

Nature p. 366

1.  How would you define Emerson’s idea of “mean egoism”?

2.  Under what circumstances, according to Emerson, does “mean egoism” vanish?

3.  In nature, what emotion does Emerson believe replaces “mean egoism”?

4.  When does Emerson become a “transparent eyeball”?

5.  What are the characteristics of this (the “transparent eyeball”) experience?

6.  In what ways does this description reflect the Transcendentalist belief of the Over-Soul?

7.  Where does the power to produce nature’s delight come from?

8.  In describing a harmony between human beings and nature, do you think Emerson means the relationship is always serene? Explain.

“Self-Reliance” p. 369

1.  What term does Emerson use to describe society?

2.  What does he believe society’s main purpose is?

3.  In what ways for Emerson believe people should be affected by the way others perceive them?

4.  What is “the iron string” to which Emerson refers?

5.  What does Emerson mean when he says “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds”?

6.  Do you think that there are any circumstances in which Emerson would advocate consistency? Explain.

7.  Why does Emerson reference Pythagoras, Socrates, Jesus, Luther, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton?

8.  What does Emerson mean when he says “to be great is to be misunderstood”? Do you agree with this sentiment? Explain.

After-Reading Journal Prompts:

(Complete on a separate sheet of paper or on the back of this sheet)

1.  Emerson’s experience made him “glad to the brink of fear.” Have you ever had an experience that caused you to feel this way? Explain.

2.  What question or challenge might you pose about Emerson’s idea that one is not alone in nature? Have your experiences in nature made you feel isolated from or connected to the universe? Explain.

3.  Do you agree with Emerson’s statement in Nature that “[n]ature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or mourning piece?” Explain what he means and state whether you agree or disagree. Describe a natural setting and use it as an example to support your opinion.

4.  Consider a time when you had an experience with nature; elaborate on that experience. Where were you? What brought you there? How did it make you feel? What thoughts were going through your head? Did you feel “at one” with nature, or did you feel uncomfortable or fearful, like you didn’t belong. What would Emerson say about your experience?