Question

Self-Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson (adapted excerpt)

For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure. And therefore a man must know how to estimate a sour face. The bystanders look askance on him in the public street or in the friend's parlor. If this aversation had its origin in contempt and resistance like his own, he might well go home with a sad countenance; but the sour faces of the multitude, like their sweet faces, have no deep cause, but are put on and off as the wind blows and a newspaper directs. Yet is the discontent of the multitude more formidable than that of the senate and the college. It is easy enough for a firm man who knows the world to brook the rage of the cultivated classes. Their rage is decorous and prudent, for they are timid as being very vulnerable themselves. . .

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said today. "Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood." Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.

Select the correct answer.
Which statement best describes the repeated use of the word consistency in the passage?
A.
Emerson repeats the word consistency to highlight the importance of finishing what one has started.
B.
Emerson repeats the word consistency to emphasize his disapproval of compliant thinking.
C.
Emerson repeats the word consistency to mirror his list of thinkers who were frequently misunderstood.
D.
Emerson repeats the word consistency to express his desire for uniformity in transcendentalism.

Answer 1

B.

Emerson repeats the word consistency to emphasize his disapproval of compliant thinking.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

B). Emerson repeats the word consistency to emphasize his disapproval of compliant thinking.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the given excerpt from Emerson's 'Self-Reliance,' the second statement most adequately explains the reason for which the author repeats the word 'consistency' throughout the passage. It correctly states that the repetition assists in highlighting that he denounces the idea of law-abiding or compliant thinking. He wants people to avoid confirming to these social structures and perpetuating this false consistency rather they should follow their own conscience and have faith in their own selves. Thus, option B is the correct answer.