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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Emerson's frame of mind on returning from Europe?

2. What does Richardson say motivated Emerson's feelings about Brook Farm?

3. Who was Hafiz?

4. What does Richardson say caused Emerson to become less innocent?

5. What does Richardson say crowds expected from Emerson?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the effect Margaret Fuller Ossoli's death had on Emerson.

2. Who was Hafiz and what was his influence on Emerson?

3. What was Emerson's relationship with abolition?

4. How was Emerson's work changing as he reached his fortieth birthday, in Richardson's account?

5. What was Emerson's talk in Dartmouth like?

6. How does Richardson characterize the change that took place in Emerson after Waldo's death?

7. Describe Emerson's lecturing career.

8. What were Emerson's impressions of England when he traveled there in 1848?

9. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's fame?

10. Who was Jones Very?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way or to what extent is Emerson a Northern or New England writer or intellectual? How much does his region affect his legacy? Are there aspects of America he was not representing?

Essay Topic 2

Emerson wrote essays on love and spiritual laws, but never marriage. Why not, do you think?

Essay Topic 3

Which of Emerson's friendships had the greatest influence on him? Thoreau? Fuller? His brothers? Channing? Make an argument based on the text.

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