Self-Reliance
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
Paragraphs 1-2
Paragraphs 3-5
Paragraphs 6-9
Paragraphs 10-11
Paragraphs 12-16
Paragraph 17-20
Paragraphs 21-24
Paragraphs 25-28
Paragraphs 29-32
Paragraphs 33-34
Paragraphs 35-50
Themes
All Themes
Transcendentalism
Nonconformity, Morality, and Individual Greatness
Anti-Enlightenment Ideas and American Culture
Nature
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Terms
All Terms
Abolition
Antinomianism
Epigraph
Doric
Gothic
Monachism
Relief society
Swedenborgism
Whigs
Symbols
All Symbols
Nature
Quizzes
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Paragraphs 1-2 Quiz
Paragraphs 3-5 Quiz
Paragraphs 6-9 Quiz
Paragraphs 10-11 Quiz
Paragraphs 12-16 Quiz
Paragraph 17-20 Quiz
Paragraphs 21-24 Quiz
Paragraphs 25-28 Quiz
Paragraphs 29-32 Quiz
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Self-Reliance
by
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
Paragraphs 1-2
Paragraphs 3-5
Paragraphs 6-9
Paragraphs 10-11
Paragraphs 12-16
Paragraph 17-20
Paragraphs 21-24
Paragraphs 25-28
Paragraphs 29-32
Paragraphs 33-34
Paragraphs 35-50
Themes
All Themes
Transcendentalism
Nonconformity, Morality, and Individual Greatness
Anti-Enlightenment Ideas and American Culture
Nature
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Terms
All Terms
Abolition
Antinomianism
Epigraph
Doric
Gothic
Monachism
Relief society
Swedenborgism
Whigs
Symbols
All Symbols
Nature
Quizzes
All Quizzes
Paragraphs 1-2 Quiz
Paragraphs 3-5 Quiz
Paragraphs 6-9 Quiz
Paragraphs 10-11 Quiz
Paragraphs 12-16 Quiz
Paragraph 17-20 Quiz
Paragraphs 21-24 Quiz
Paragraphs 25-28 Quiz
Paragraphs 29-32 Quiz
Paragraphs 33-34 Quiz
Paragraphs 35-50 Quiz
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How does Emerson suggest a self-reliant individual should handle accusations of immorality from society?
1 of 2
By conforming to societal norms to avoid conflict
By ensuring they fulfill personal moral responsibilities
By seeking forgiveness from authority figures
By completely isolating themselves from critics
What does Emerson say is required to resist conventional standards of morality?
2 of 2
Ordinary courage and persistence
Something god-like in one's character
Extreme willpower and self-discipline
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Shaw-Thornburg, Angela. "Self-Reliance."
LitCharts.
LitCharts LLC, 15 Feb 2018. Web. 26 Apr 2025.
Shaw-Thornburg, Angela. "Self-Reliance." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 15 Feb 2018. Web. 26 Apr 2025.
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