Read the first paragraph of “Economy” from Walden.

When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, and earned my living by the labor of my hands only. I lived there two years and two months. At present I am a sojourner in civilized life again.

Which best describes how this paragraph relates to the rest of “Economy”?
It compares and contrasts the author’s beliefs about nature with civilized society’s views of nature.
It compares and contrasts civilized life with the author’s solitary time in the woods.
It provides context for the rest of the excerpt by noting that the author no longer agrees with what he wrote.
It provides context for the rest of the excerpt by explaining when and where the author wrote it.

11 answers

The best description of how this paragraph relates to the rest of “Economy” is: It provides context for the rest of the excerpt by explaining when and where the author wrote it. This opening paragraph establishes the setting, duration, and circumstances of the author's experience, which serves as a foundation for the themes and ideas explored throughout the text.

How does Thoreau defend his approach in the second paragraph of “Economy” in
Walden?
He uses the word “I” because he feels it sounds more interesting.
He does not use first-person point of view because his is a fictional account.
He uses first-person point of view to get his readers’ attention.
He uses the word “I” for the sake of sincerity and honesty.

In the second paragraph of “Economy” in Walden, Thoreau defends his approach by stating that he uses the word “I” for the sake of sincerity and honesty. He emphasizes the personal nature of his experiences and beliefs, indicating that using the first-person point of view allows him to convey his genuine thoughts and ideas effectively.

What does Emerson argue should be the basis of human actions in the second paragraph of “Self-Reliance”?
the right to protect one’s property from damage by others
confidence in one’s intelligence and inner worth
a desire for progress and innovation in society
the urge to succeed and make a decent living

In the second paragraph of “Self-Reliance,” Emerson argues that the basis of human actions should be confidence in one’s intelligence and inner worth. He emphasizes the importance of self-trust and encourages individuals to rely on their own instincts and understanding as a foundation for their actions.

How does the organization of the second paragraph of "Self-Reliance" contribute to Emerson’s purpose?
The paragraph declares that high self-confidence is advisable and refers to the example of great people of all time periods.
The paragraph outlines numerous problems in history that could have been solved with more people with self-confidence.
The paragraph lists several benefits to society that are the result of people believing in themselves.
The paragraph lists a series of steps necessary to gain self-confidence and make achievements.

The organization of the second paragraph of "Self-Reliance" contributes to Emerson’s purpose by stating that the paragraph declares that high self-confidence is advisable and refers to the example of great people of all time periods. This structure supports his argument by showing that individuals who have achieved greatness throughout history relied on their self-confidence and individuality, reinforcing the notion that belief in oneself is essential for success.

Which quotation from "Self-Reliance" best summarizes Emerson’s view on belief in oneself?
These are the voices which we hear in solitude...
We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.
There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance...
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

The quotation from "Self-Reliance" that best summarizes Emerson’s view on belief in oneself is: "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." This statement emphasizes the importance of trusting and valuing one’s own thoughts and beliefs as central to personal integrity and self-reliance.

Read the excerpt from "Self-Reliance," by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion.

Based on the excerpt, what is Emerson’s view of the relationship between society and individuals?
Society helps people feel more free.
Society protects people’s rights.
Society pushes people to be more unique.
Society encourages people to be alike.

Based on the excerpt, Emerson’s view of the relationship between society and individuals is that society encourages people to be alike. He describes society as a "joint-stock company" that requires individuals to surrender their liberty and culture in favor of conformity, suggesting that society values conformity over individuality.