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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Nature.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Richardson say likely caused Emerson's eye problems?
(a) Overwork.
(b) Tuberculosis.
(c) Migraines.
(d) Stress.

2. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's reaction to Ellen's death?
(a) He says that he never got over it.
(b) He says that it gave him absolute faith in the beneficence of the creator.
(c) He says that it made him start a life-long search for religious meaning.
(d) He says that he realized that he had not really been in love.

3. What troubled Emerson during his travels to the South?
(a) His divinity studies.
(b) Slavery.
(c) His engagement to Ellen Tucker.
(d) His religious faith.

4. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's feelings on returning to America?
(a) Anxious about finding his family well.
(b) Despairing about finding a career.
(c) Depressed about coming home.
(d) Impatient to begin new work.

5. How did Emerson describe Ellen Tucker?
(a) Beautiful, with a vibrant spirit.
(b) Sensitive and religious.
(c) Rhapsodic and angelic.
(d) Strong-willed and supportive.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Richardson characterize Emerson as a reader?

2. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's perspective on approaching Europe?

3. What does Richardson say his book illustrates in Emerson's life?

4. What idea of Emerson's influenced Richardson's biography?

5. Who was Emerson reading at the time he fell in love with Lydia Jackson?

(see the answer key)

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