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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Science of Liberty.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What theme does Richardson say Emerson began to write about as he turned forty?
(a) Idealism.
(b) Political resistance.
(c) Mysticism.
(d) Isolation.

2. What idea of the author's does Richardson say Emerson followed "surprisingly far?"
(a) Doubt about the possibility of transcendent experience.
(b) Disregard for individuality.
(c) Respect for historical determinism.
(d) Faith in evolutionary processes.

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

4. According to Richardson, what religious belief did Emerson turn toward while Ellen Tucker was dying?
(a) Pantheism.
(b) Paganism.
(c) Methodism.
(d) Calvinism.

5. How does Richardson characterize the beginning of Emerson's relation with Margaret Fuller?
(a) Shaky.
(b) Wary distrust.
(c) Instantaneous respect.
(d) Love at first sight.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Richardson say likely caused Emerson's eye problems?

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

3. What were Emerson's religious beliefs tending toward, at the time of his ordination?

4. How did Emerson's views on individuality and idealism respond to the immense cultural changes of the 1840s, according to Richardson?

5. How long did Ellen Tucker and Emerson know each other before they were engaged?

(see the answer key)

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