CliffsNotes on

Emerson's Essays

Search this CliffsNote

Ralph Waldo Emerson Biography

Life and Background
Chronology of Emerson's Life

Nature: Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
The Introduction
Chapter 1. Nature
Chapter 2. Commodity
Chapter 3. Beauty
Chapter 4. Language
Chapter 5. Discipline
Chapter 6. Idealism
Chapter 7. Spirit
Chapter 8. Prospects
Read the Original Text
Glossary

"The American Scholar": Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
Paragraphs 1–7. "Man Thinking."
Paragraphs 8–9. The Influence of Nature.
Paragraphs 10–20. The Influence of the Past.
Paragraphs 21–30. The Influence of Action.
Paragraphs 31–45. The Scholar's Duties.
Read the Original Text
Glossary

"The Over-Soul": Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
Paragraphs 1–3. Introduction.
Paragraphs 4–10. The Over-Soul Is Defined.
Paragraphs 11–15. The Soul and Society.
Paragraphs 16–21. Revelation.
Paragraphs 22–30. The Soul and the Individual.
Read the Original Text
Glossary

"Self-Reliance": Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
Paragraphs 1–17. The Importance of Self-Reliance.
Paragraphs 18–32. Self-Reliance and the Individual.
Paragraphs 33–50. Self-Reliance and Society.
Read the Original Text
Glossary

"The Transcendentalist": Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
Paragraphs 1–5. Materialism versus Idealism.
Paragraphs 6–14. Examples and Shortcomings of Transcendentalism.
Paragraphs 15–30. The Solitary Transcendentalist.
Read the Original Text
Glossary

"The Poet": Analysis and Original Text

Introduction to the Essay
Paragraphs 1–9. The Poet as Interpreter.
Paragraphs 10–18. The Poet, Language, and Nature.
Paragraphs 19-29. The Poet and Imagination.
Paragraphs 30–33. The Poet and America.
Read the Original Text
Glossary

Critical Essays

Trancendentalism
Emerson, Unitarianism, and the God Within
Emerson's Use of Metaphor

Study and Homework Help

Full Glossary for Emerson's Essays
Quiz
Review Questions and Essay Topics

Cite this Literature Note

CliffsNotes To Go Sweepstakes -- Enter Now to Win an iPod touch Loaded with Cliffs Study Apps

How hot is Levi Johnston?

Sizzlin'!
Not bad. I've seen better.
He's taking the quick fame thing way too far.

View Results

Study and Homework Help

Quiz

1:  What is the central argument of Nature?

a. Nature should be respected above all else.

b. Nature teaches man the proper use of nature -- to transcend it.

c. Nature is the physical representation of the spirit of man.

d. Man must transcend Nature to find truth.
2:  In Nature, Emerson writes that man can and should "enjoy an original relation to . . ." what?

a. God

b. Each other

c. Nature

d. The universe
3:  In Nature, Emerson says that "Beauty is the mark God sets upon . . ." what?

a. Virtue

b. Truth

c. Nature

d. Faith
4:  Which of Emerson's essays did Oliver Wendell Holmes call "our intellectual Declaration of Independence"?

a. "Self-Reliance"

b. "The Conduct of Life"

c. "The Transcendentalists"

d. "The American Scholar"
5:  Emerson believes that the scholar's duties are all comprised in what?

a. Self-awareness

b. Self-trust

c. Trust in others

d. Faith in God
6:  In "The American Scholar," why does Emerson believe that books can be dangerous?

a. Books can inspire scholars to choose the wrong path.

b. Books can cause scholars to lose interest in the future.

c. Books can provide a biased view of the past.

d. Books can jeopardize the growth of minds.
7:  In "The Divinity School Address," Emerson attacks historical Christianity in favor of what?

a. Unitarian orthodoxy

b. Natural religion

c. Puritan beliefs

d. Catholic doctrine
8:  What is the key doctrine of transcendentalism?

a. Admiration of nature

b. Self-trust

c. Self-reliance

d. Belief in a higher state of being
9:  In "Self-Reliance," what does Emerson refer to as "the chancellors of God"?

a. Cause and Effect

b. Faith and Wisdom

c. Truth and Spirit

d. Faith and Devotion
10:  In "Self-Reliance," what is the tendency of all genuine and self-reliant actions?

a. Knowledge

b. Faith

c. Hope

d. Honor
11:  What tragic event may have influenced Emerson in his writing of "Experience"?

a. The death of his mother

b. The death of his daughter

c. The death of his son

d. The divorce from his wife
12:  In "Experience," Emerson writes that "Divinity is behind our . . ." what?

a. Mistakes and misjudgments

b. Failures and follies

c. Peace and prosperity

d. Dependence and devotion



Previous page
Next page
Resources

Tools & Resources

Ask Cliff

Read More About

CliffsNotes® To Go
Literature reviews for the iPhone™ & iPod touch® help you study anywhere, anytime.
Learn more now!
cover
Defining Twilight
Your key to acing the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT through Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga.
The Ultimate Learning Experience!
WATCH the film and READ the lit note for a fast way to study!
Learn more!