Questions on Rhetoric and Style

1. What is the effect of the comparisons (including figurative language) and distinctions that Emerson makes in paragraphs 1 and 2? In the conclusion to the first paragraph, Emerson says the stars give an “admonishing smile.” What does he mean by this phrase? How does Emerson characterize nature? What is the purpose of this characterization?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the effect of the comparisons (including figurative language) and distinctions that Emerson makes in paragraphs 1 and 2? In the conclusion to the first paragraph, Emerson says the stars give an “admonishing smile.” What does he mean by this phrase? How does Emerson characterize nature? What is the purpose of this characterization?
2. Identify the juxtapositions in paragraph 4. What is their effect? Is there a relationship among the juxtapositions that suggests a larger point? Explain.

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Identify the juxtapositions in paragraph 4. What is their effect? Is there a relationship among the juxtapositions that suggests a larger point? Explain.
3. In paragraph 8, Emerson speaks of “this green ball which floats him through the heavens.” What is the effect of this metaphor? How does the repetition in the rest of the paragraph (“this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this . . . this . . .”) contribute to this effect?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In paragraph 8, Emerson speaks of “this green ball which floats him through the heavens.” What is the effect of this metaphor? How does the repetition in the rest of the paragraph (“this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this . . . this . . .”) contribute to this effect?
4. What three aspects of the beauty of nature does Emerson delineate in Part III? How does he use simile and metaphor to develop the first aspect? How do the rhetorical questions in paragraph 20 serve to develop the second aspect?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What three aspects of the beauty of nature does Emerson delineate in Part III? How does he use simile and metaphor to develop the first aspect? How do the rhetorical questions in paragraph 20 serve to develop the second aspect?
5. What is the relationship between paragraphs 18 and 19? What is the effect of the paradox that concludes paragraph 19?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the relationship between paragraphs 18 and 19? What is the effect of the paradox that concludes paragraph 19?
6. In paragraph 21, what distinction does Emerson make between “barren contemplation” and “new creation”?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In paragraph 21, what distinction does Emerson make between “barren contemplation” and “new creation”?
7. How does Emerson unite truth, goodness, and beauty in the final paragraph? Why is this a fitting conclusion for this section?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How does Emerson unite truth, goodness, and beauty in the final paragraph? Why is this a fitting conclusion for this section?