American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay "The American Scholar," what does the American Scholar do?

1. Rejects old traditions

2. Embraces new ideas

3. Examines his own time

4. Establishes the foundation of a new faith

The correct answer is: Examines his own time

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American Scholar does not reject old traditions completely (as stated in option A), but rather critically examines them to see what still holds value. The American Scholar also does not solely embrace new ideas (as stated in option B), but rather takes a careful and thoughtful approach to incorporating them into their own thinking. Option D is also incorrect as Emerson believed that the American Scholar should question and challenge established beliefs, rather than blindly establishing new ones. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as the American Scholar takes a critical and reflective approach to their own time and the ideas present within it.