What, in the persons themselves, is necessary for the most helpful conversation?
To what extent is it true that "friends are self-elected"? (p. 154).
What are the requirements for perfect friendship? (pp. 154-157).
Why would Emerson do with his friends as with his books? (p. 158). (See The American Scholar, pp. 38-44.)
Do you think that he would have us become recluses? Would he have us make no friendships except ideal ones? Try to summarize the truth of this essay in your own words for those of your own age.
Prudence
Explain and illustrate the meaning of prudence.
What is the theme of this essay?
What reason does Emerson give for discussing it?
Explain his classification in paragraph beginning "There are all degrees of proficiency" (p. 164).