Directions: After reading “Self-Reliance,” answer the questions below using complete sentences and evidence from the text to support your answers. Part 1 – Explore the Context and Analyze the Argument
What is the historical context of Emerson’s essay? (Research this if necessary.)
Who is Emerson’s audience?
What is Emerson’s rhetorical situation?
What is Emerson’s thesis?
Analyze the claims and evidence Emerson uses to support his thesis.
Part 2 – Analyze the Figurative Language

Quote
Interpret the Figurative Language

What is Emerson saying?
Analyze the Effect

How does this example affect the tone or meaning?
Determine the Purpose

How does this support his claim?
No kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.

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.

Why drag about this corpse of your memory, lest you contradict somewhat you have stated in this or that public place?

Part 3 – Argument and Application
Develop a position agreeing or disagreeing with Emerson’s claim “To be great is to be misunderstood.” State your position (thesis) and the evidence to support your position. Your evidence can come from your reading, your relevant personal experiences, and your observations.
Channel your inner Emerson and employ your own figurative language to make your argument more effective. Use at least two instances of figurative language (simile, metaphor, allusion, personification, hyperbole, etc.) in your evidence or explanations. Underline your figurative language.
Thesis:

Evidence 1:

Explanation of Evidence 1:

Evidence 2:

Explanation of Evidence 2:

Evidence 3:

Explanation of Evidence 3:

Evidence 4:

Explanation of Evidence 4: