Emerson; Self Reliance Part 2

Introduction In this section, Emerson becomes more repetitive than the earlier part of the speech, but still fairly interesting.

Questions Answer the following questions thoroughly.

1. What is the second hurdle for self-Trust?

What was the first hurdle for it?

2. What is the problem with consistency?

Complete the quote "A foolish consistency is _________________
______________________________."

3 How does character unite inconsistencies?

Therefore, what is Honor to Emerson?

Why is it noble?

4. If a great man were to come to Emerson, how hould Emeron react?

How does the picture "wait for my verdict"?

5. What is the root of all of this self-trust?

How is that like a beam of light?

6. Therefore, where is Emerson’s God?

What would he have to say for old religions?

However, he comments that man is weak. How so?

complete the quote "what is good is ______________"

Explain.
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Self Reliance 2, Continued


7. How are we a mob now?

Why must we go alone?

How is he rejecting family in all this?

Is he really rejecting family?

How is his rule hard, and not easy?

8. What are the two confessionals Emerson speaks of?

Which do most people go to?

Where should they go?

9. What are the failings of his age?

How does the sturdy lad from Vermont differ?

10. Emerson concludes his essay by listing the changes that greater Self-Reliance much make.

What are the best prayers?

What are the worst?

How does classification hurt as well?

11. Why is travelling bad?

What should man do instead?

How can travel (circumnavigation) be good?
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Self Reliance, Continued


12. Complete the quote "insist on yourself____________"

How does that apply to the home-furnishings (or art)of point 3?

13. Point 4. How does the improvement of society weaken man?

Complete the quote. "the civilized man has built___________
__________________."

14. How is society a wave?

Thought Question Read the last two pages of Self-Reliance and respond.

o How does this conclude the essay?

o Describe a perfect Emersonian man.

o Who is the perfect reader of this essay?