Honors English 11: Nature

Read the introduction and first chapter of Nature.

Answer and be prepared to discuss the following questions:

Introduction:

1. From where does the current generation derive its understanding of God and nature? According to Emerson, what's wrong with this method? In turn, what flaws do you find in Emerson's argument?

2. Emerson makes a strong claim in the second paragraph ("Undoubtably we have..."). What is the claim? Read Emerson with the most charitable interpretation possible. How can you challenge this claim?

3. Note Emerson's value of a "sound judgment." What does this value correspond to in "Self-Reliance"?

4. What is Nature?


Chapter 1:

1. What is Emerson's conception of solitude? Why does he drone on about the stars? Note the presence of the sublime (this is an English Romantic concept).

2. Note the third paragraph ("When we speak..."). What qualifications does Emerson add to his definition of Nature? Why?

3. Why do children see the sun when adults do not? To what part of "Self-Reliance" does this belief correspond?

4. How does Emerson feel when immersed in Nature? What is the significance of this feeling?

5. What is all this nonsense about the "transparent eyeball"? What is the connection between man, Nature, and God?

6. What else is as beautiful as Nature?

7. What kind of relationship is Emerson developing with vegetables? This sounds inappropriate, but again, read Emerson with the most charitable definition possible.

8. In the last paragraph, in what way does Nature reflect human nature? As a critical thinker, challenge this assertion.