Explorations in American Environmental History Questions for discussion: Thoreau, Emerson, Muir

Please complete the following questions in class or for homework. Be prepared to lead a class discussion on the question by your name.

1. Where did Emerson believe we find our spiritual self? Give examples.

2. What is the 'Over-Soul?'

3. What do you find positive about Emerson's philosophy?

4. Is Emerson's idea of self-reliance selfish? Why or why not?

5. In the article "Fate" Emerson says that "Nature is no sentimentalist-does not cosset or pamper us." List three examples he uses to support his point.

6. Why does Emerson believe fate limits our personal power?

7. Compare Emerson and Thoreau. What are the similarities and what are their differences?

8. In the sections "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" Thoreau asserts that "we live meanly, like ants." What explanation does Thoreau give for this way of life? Why does he place so much emphasis on simplicity.

9. "The Pond in Winter"-Thoreau says "he awoke to an answered question to Nature and daylight." What makes him see that nature transcends all questions and doubts about existence?

10. "Spring"- the concluding sentence compares the coming of spring to "creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age." What sense impressions especially of sound and sight prepare for this statement?

11. The example "i hears a different drummer" is one of the most quoted passages. How does this passage support the earlier criticism of conformity?

12. What happened to the passenger pigeon and why is that of such great significance to all humankind?

13. Muir notices the detail in nature. Give some examples of this from the article. What details in nature have you noticed?

14. How does Muir perceive his relationship to the land and its inhabitants?

15. Describe the nuthatches. Why were they his favorites?

16. Describe the habits of the common gray goose. How can Muir be an avid environmentalist and shoot at a goose?

17. Why is Muir's detailed writing of his ornithological studies so significant today?

Top of Page | Lesson Home