1. What lines in the poem "The Road Not Taken" state the main idea? Explain.
2. On the surface "The Road Not Taken" seems to be describing a simple walk in the woods, but the poem also has a deeper meaning. Describe what you think is the deeper meaning of the poem "The Road Not Taken."
3. Reflect on the idea of nonconformity. Think about a time in your life where you had a choice, and this choice may have represented one where "no step had trodden black." Explain the decision or choice you made, if you had any regrets, and how it relates to the theme of the poem "The Road Not Taken." Use textual examples from the poem to help prove your point.
4. Why do you think the society in the short story "Harrison Bergeron" goes to such lengths to create equality in people?
5. What do you think it would be like to live in a place where everyone conforms? Would you rather live in a society such as the one in "Harrison Bergeron," or are you thankful that your society celebrates diversity?
6. How is conformity demonstrated in "The Unknown Citizen"?
7. The poem "The Unknown Citizen" ends with a question "Was he free? Was he happy?" Do you think the Unknown Citizen was happy with his life? Why or why not?
8. Of the three selections you read in this lesson, discuss the one story or poem that you think most closely represents the transcendentalist way of thinking. Include textual evidence from both short story or poem and Emerson or Thoreau's essay that you use as an example. You should have no less than eight to ten sentences.