3.
How do the two italicized quotes at the beginning of the excerpt contribute to the passage's
development of ideas?
Both quotes stress that people's fates are determined by the divine, or God, and
that humans must accept this in order to feel free.
Both quotes utilize natural imagery, such as stars and the divine, both of which
are prevalent ideas in Emerson's works.
Both quotes emphasize individualism and controlling one's own fate, advising
that people should see themselves as their "own star" of guidance.
D. Both quotes emphasize that people should trust themselves and become their

C). Both quotes emphasize individualism and controlling one's own fate, advising that people should see themselves as their “own star” of guidance.

Explanation:

The given italicized quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson's popular essay titled 'Self-Reliance' play a key role in developing the key idea of 'individualism and governing one's own fate.' These quotes allow Emerson to suggest to people that 'one must trust thyself' and follow their own conscience rather than blindly conforming to the ideals or expectations of the government or society. He says that 'nothing is at last sacred but your own soul' which implies his indication to people for becoming 'self-reliant' and be their 'own star of guidance.' Thus, option C is the correct answer.