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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Inner Light.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What trouble did the Emerson family encounter around the time of Emerson's engagement?
(a) His brother died of tuberculosis.
(b) His brother had a mental breakdown.
(c) His mother fell ill.
(d) His father died.

3. How does Richardson characterize the year 1834 in Emerson's life?
(a) The year of trials.
(b) The year of wonders.
(c) The turning point.
(d) The year of transition.

4. What idea of Emerson's influenced Richardson's biography?
(a) That some men's lives define the extremes of human experience.
(b) That men can only be known through their historical context.
(c) That the lives of great mean can tell us about all men.
(d) That men are best described by the women in their lives.

5. How did Emerson's career change after he opened Ellen's casket?
(a) He left the church.
(b) He was ordained.
(c) He devoted himself more than ever to his preaching.
(d) He published argumentative tracts questioning the reality of religious rituals.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the event described in the Prologue change Emerson's life?

2. What was Emerson's family's economic status when Emerson was in college?

3. What topic did Emerson lecture on after returning home from Europe?

4. What did Emerson do when he returned from the South?

5. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's feelings about the changes he made after Ellen's death?

(see the answer key)

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