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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what realization of Pythagoras' was Emerson interested?
(a) That change was the only constant.
(b) That everything is spirit.
(c) That not everything was in flux.
(d) That all things are made of material.

2. What did Lidian name her first daughter?
(a) Ruth.
(b) Ellen.
(c) Mary.
(d) Lydia.

3. What was Emerson's frame of mind on returning from Europe?
(a) Disappointed, haunted by possibilities.
(b) Delighted, at the peak of his career.
(c) Filled with doubts about his philosophy.
(d) Unhappy, almost angry.

4. What was Emerson's response to the publicity that arose from Andrews Norton's article?
(a) He stayed out of it.
(b) He answered Norton publicly.
(c) He corresponded with Norton's superiors.
(d) He made overtures to Norton through friends.

5. How did Emerson's views on individuality and idealism respond to the immense cultural changes of the 1840s, according to Richardson?
(a) They became more realistic.
(b) They became more optimistic.
(c) They stayed the same.
(d) They were tempered by doubts.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Richardson characterize 1844 in Emerson's life?

2. In what way did Emerson try to form a commune?

3. What idea of the author's does Richardson say Emerson followed "surprisingly far?"

4. What theme does Richardson say Emerson began to write about as he turned forty?

5. How does Richardson characterize Emerson's works after he turned forty?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Emerson balance writing and editing?

2. What was the significance of Emerson's first daughter's name?

3. What political events did Emerson witness during his trip to Europe?

4. Describe Emerson's relationship with Whitman.

5. What was Hegel's importance to Emerson's thinking?

6. What was Emerson's response to the invitation to join Brook Farm?

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

8. To what use does Emerson put great men in Representative Men?

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

10. How does Richardson describe Emerson's home life in the 1850s?

(see the answer keys)

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