American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the title of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous lecture, first delivered in 1837?

1. "Self-Reliance"

2. "The Transcendentalists"

3. "Nature"

4. "The American Scholar"

The correct answer is: "Self-Reliance"

Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous lecture, first delivered in 1837, is known as "Self-Reliance." This title reflects the theme of the lecture, which focused on the importance of relying on one's own inner voice and intuition, rather than conforming to societal norms. Choice B, "The Transcendentalists," is incorrect because while Emerson was a prominent figure in the Transcendentalist movement, this was not the title of his lecture. Choice C, "Nature," is incorrect because that was the title of another one of Emerson's lectures. Choice D, "The American Scholar," is incorrect because while this was also a famous lecture by Emerson, it was not the lecture delivered in 1837.