overnment? on property?

Why do we dislike a conceited man? Compare a conceited with a
self-reliant man.

Make a collection of the epigrammatic sayings in this essay that you
think are worth remembering.

_Compensation_

What is the theme of this essay?

Illustrate the meaning of the law of compensation by referring to its
working in nature, in human life, in government.

What did the Greeks mean by their goddess Nemesis?

Show the folly of trying to escape this law, by pointing out how it
invariably works in the results of deeds of crime, of acts of honest
labor, of deeds of love.

Explain the following statements and give illustrations:

"But for every benefit which you receive, a tax is levied" (p. 124).
"The history of persecution is a history of endeavours to cheat nature"
(p. 129).

What is Emerson's answer to the thoughtless who say: "What boots it to
do well?... if I gain any good I must pay for it; if I lose any good I
gain some other"? (p. 130)

Explain "Nothing can work me damage except myself" (p. 132).

What compensations are there for our calamities?

Show how this law of compensation is illustrated in the acts of some of
the characters that you have studied in fiction: for example, Shylock,
Ivanhoe, Isaac, Portia, Godfrey Cass, Silas Marner.

_Friendship_

What is the theme of this essay?

How is friendship different from companionship?

How do friends enlarge and improve us?

Why often do "Our friendships hurry to short and poor conclusions"? (p.
145).

What are the two elements that go to the composition of friendship?
Illustrate each.

What is Emerson's idea about the possibility of helpful conversation
where more than two take part?

Discuss, to show the measure of truth that it contains.

What, in the persons themselves, is necessary for the most helpful
conversation?

To what extent is it true that "friends are self-elected"? (p. 154).

What are the requirements for perfect friendship? (pp. 154-157).

Why would Emerson do with his friends as with his books? (p. 158). (See
_The American Scholar_, pp. 38-44.)

Do you think that he would have us become recluses? Would he have us
make no friendships except ideal ones? Try to summarize the truth of
this essay in your own words for those of your own age.

_Prudence_

Explain and illustrate the meaning of prudence.

What is the theme of this essay?

What reason does Emerson give for discussing it?

Explain h