Emerson mentions many accomplished men in "Self-Reliance." List five to ten people who have lived since Emerson's time who are examples of high achievement. Do some research, and then for each person write a sentence or two about some way in which that person exhibited self-reliance.

Emerson's central premise is that all individuals have the potential to be great, if only they would trust themselves. Do you agree or disagree?Write a persuasive essay that states and argues for your position. Use examples, as Emerson did.

Emerson was a strong supporter of President Abraham Lincoln. Given what you know about Emerson and Lincoln, why do you think this was so? Write your answer in the form of a list of possible reasons, and compare your answers with those of your classmates.

Emerson was a poet as well as an essayist. Write a...