Analysis Questions
1. In Walden, Thoreau writes, “Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains.” Which of the following best explains the effect of the metaphor of time?
a. The metaphor of time represents a countdown to death and winter
b. The metaphor of time reminds us of how short life is and how time cannot be stopped
c. The metaphor of time shows how fishing is necessary to sustain human life in the wild
d. The metaphor of time emphasizes the different seasons of life and activities in each

2. In “Nature,” Emerson writes, “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. To a man laboring under calamity, the heat of his own fire hath sadness in it. Then, there is a kind of contempt of the landscape felt by him who has just lost by death a dear friend.” Which of the following best explains the effect of the personification of nature?
a. The personification of nature shows how harsh and unforgiving Mother Nature is
b. The personification of nature encourages individuals to embrace the present
c. The personification of nature reminds us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder
d. The personification of nature reveals how nature is a mirror for one’s emotions

3. In Walden, Thoreau writes, “We should be blessed if we lived in the present always, and took advantage of every accident that befell us, like the grass which confesses the influence of the slightest dew that falls on it; and did not spend our time in atoning for the neglect of past opportunities, which we call doing our duty. We loiter in winter while it is already spring. In a pleasant spring morning all men’s sins are forgiven.” Which of the following best explains the purpose of Thoreau’s analogy to spring and winter?
a. The purpose of this analogy is to urge humans to embrace the present instead of dwelling on the past.
b. The purpose of this analogy is to remind humans to atone for their sins of the winter during the peace of spring.
c. The purpose of this analogy is to encourage humans to pursue their dreams with confidence and optimism.
d. The purpose of this analogy is to show that the harsh parts of life make the happy chapters of life more meaningful.

4. In Walden, Thoreau writes, “But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips.” Which of the following best explains the effect of Thoreau’s personification?
a. The personification emphasizes the need for a sense of structure like Nature.
b. The personification reveals that nature is harsh and has no regard for human life.
c. The personification encourages us to be more nurturing like Mother Nature.
d. The personification urges humans to be satisfied and present in the moment like Nature.

5. In Walden, Thoreau writes, “However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. You may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poor-house.” Which of the following best explains the purpose of the paradox “It looks poorest when you are richest?”
a. The purpose of this paradox is to remind humans that even those in poverty can work hard and achieve success.
b. The purpose of this paradox is to show that nature makes one rich.
c. The purpose of this paradox is to show that a life rich in material things is not often satisfying and that life can be enjoyed, even in what looks like poverty.
d. The purpose of this paradox is to illustrate that rich people are mean, while people living in poverty are kind.

6. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson writes, “Society is a wave. The wave moves onward, but the water of which it is composed does not. The same particle does not rise from the valley to the ridge. Its unity is only phenomenal. The persons who make up a nation to-day, next year die, and their experience with them.” Which of the following BEST explains the purpose of the metaphor of the wave?
a. The metaphor of a wave reminds individuals of the beauty and power of nature and its ability to kill humans without regard.
b. The metaphor of a wave shows how society progresses as the expense of individuals, thus encouraging individuals to rely on themselves, rather than society.
c. The metaphor of a wave encourages humans to join society for protection and strength in numbers.
d. The metaphor of a wave encourages humans to contribute to the betterment of society as much as possible.