Concord Hymn
Concord Hymn [1836]
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Questions for Discussion
1. What is the best phrase to describe where the farmers made their stand?
A) by the rough-structured span
B) beside the flood
C) under the flag
D) in April’s breeze
E) over the arch
2. What were the farmers ready for?
A) negotiations
B) vacation
C) retreat
D) war
E) celebrations
3. Why are foes and conquerors silent?
A) They’ve gone away.
B) They’ve all since died.
C) They lost the battle.
D) They won the war.
E) They live together peacefully.
4. What has happened to the bridge?
A) It was rebuilt after the battle.
B) It’s not a memory now.
C) It hasn’t been swept away.
D) It never existed.
E) Only the ruins now remain.
5. What does a “votive stone” in line 10 refer to?
A) a monument to the fallen
B) a new bridge to cross the stream
C) a memorial celebration
D) a flag-raising ceremony
E) a family reunion
6. What does “the shot heard round the world” (line 4) refer to?
A) only time will tell
B) the unfurling of a flag
C) an event about to begin
D) the sleeping foes
E) the setting of a votive stone
7. Why did Dwight feel it would be better to raise lean calves?
A) less profit
B) fat is bad for you
C) more profit
D) more expensive to produce
E) better than goats
8. Why isn’t Dad paying attention to Dwight?
A) He wants to help find a lost sheep.
B) He wants to spend time in the vineyard.
C) He wants to buy more land.
D) He is reading the paper.
E) He is worried about Wally.
9. Why do you think Wally is late for breakfast?
A) He is sick.
B) He has a hangover.
C) He is doing the chores.
D) He is reading an article.
E) He is working in the fields.
10. What comparison does Wally make between himself and wine?
A) They both are sweet.
B) They both like to travel.
C) They both need to breathe.
D) They are both precious.
E) They both cause problems.
To Have Succeeded
To laugh often and love much:
To win respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give one's self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived...
This is to have succeeded.
approbation: approval or praise
exultation: great happiness
1. What defines success in “To Have Succeeded”?
A) winning the approval of peers
B) respecting the opinions of critics
C) contributing to the well-being of others
D) appreciating the beauty of the natural world
2. Which term best characterizes the speaker in “To Have Succeeded”?
A) cautious
B) ambitious
C) humorous
D) passionate
3. Which quotation best expresses the main idea of “To Have Succeeded”?
A) “To appreciate beauty”
B) “To find the best in others”
C) “To laugh often and love much”
D) “To know even one life has breathed easier”
1. C
2. D
3. D