Analysis Questions
1. In Emerson's essay "Nature," identify the hierarchy of functions, what Emerson terms the "ministries of Nature" to humanity.
2. From whom or what does the individual derive his or her authority?

Interpretation Questions
3. Explain the meaning of Emerson's admonition to each reader of "Self Reliance" to "Trust thyself."
4. In what sense might Emerson be considered a mentor for Henry David Thoreau?

Evaluation Questions
5. What is missing in American transcendental mysticism that members of orthodox religious faiths and their denominations would find unacceptable? Why?
6. Why has the spiritual transcendentalism of the Concord writers abandoned the Calvinist sense of sin and separation from God?