Question

Who are the people Emerson names at the end of "Self Reliance" and why has he named them? What does he mean by "to be great is to be misunderstood"?

A. Historical figures who embody self-reliance; greatness comes from being misunderstood
B. Critics of self-reliance philosophy; greatness requires controversy
C. Literary characters who faced adversity; greatness is achieved through struggle
D. Emerson's personal friends; greatness is synonymous with isolation

Answer 1

Emerson names historical figures who exemplify self-reliance option (b)at the end of his essay, suggesting that to achieve greatness, one is often misunderstood, as were these key innovators and thinkers.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the end of "Self-Reliance," Ralph Waldo Emerson names historical figures such as Socrates, Jesus, Luther, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton. These individuals embody the traits of self-reliance and nonconformity that Emerson holds in high esteem.

They were all, at different times, misunderstood by their contemporaries, which leads to Emerson's statement that "to be great is to be misunderstood." This means that those who achieve greatness often have ideas or qualities that are not immediately recognized or appreciated by the majority and that enduring such misunderstanding can be a hallmark of a uniquely insightful and independent mind.

So, the correct answer to the original question is A: Historical figures who embody self-reliance; greatness comes from being misunderstood. Emerson highlighted these people because they exemplified the courage and innovative thinking that come with standing firm in one's beliefs despite societal opposition or misunderstanding.