View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rousseau call democracy?
(a) Rule by the poor.
(b) The tyranny of the masses.
(c) Death by committee.
(d) A condition with more magistrates than citizens.

2. How is Book 5, Chapter 2 different from the previous chapters?
(a) It speaks frankly from Rousseau's life experience.
(b) It is theoretical again.
(c) It tells a long hypothetical story.
(d) It gives more detailed advice.

3. What is Rousseau's religious perspective as he advises Emile?
(a) Agnostic.
(b) Converted Catholic.
(c) Protestant.
(d) Atheist.

4. How much freedom do Emile and Sophy have in their courtship?
(a) They cannot touch, and they are always chaperoned.
(b) They are free to do as they like.
(c) They have taken a vow not to sleep together before marriage.
(d) They can walk alone together, but cannot touch.

5. How does the exposition shift at the beginning of Book 4, Chapter 3?
(a) Rousseau interjects that he is leaving the discourse.
(b) The priest takes a threatening tone.
(c) Rousseau resumes the discourse.
(d) The watchmaker takes over the discourse.

6. What single subject is Book 4, Chapter 2 devoted to?
(a) Epistemology.
(b) Religion.
(c) Sexuality.
(d) Psychology.

7. How does Rousseau explain the relations of the sexes?
(a) As equals competing for superiority.
(b) As master (or mistress) and slave.
(c) As complementary differences.
(d) As warring opposites.

8. How will the right amount of work affect Emile?
(a) It will mitigate his desires.
(b) It will make his mind receptive.
(c) It will keep his digestion regular.
(d) It will make him sleep soundly.

9. What metaphor does the priest use for the man who returns to his religion?
(a) Healing an injury.
(b) Finding eternal peace.
(c) Reconciling with family.
(d) Outfitting a ship for a voyage.

10. Against what kind of trap does Rousseau warn Emile?
(a) Demanding devotions.
(b) Insufficiently rigorous faith.
(c) Expensive offerings.
(d) Excessive dogmas.

11. What value must Sophy's parents protect for her before she is married?
(a) Her purity.
(b) Her innocence.
(c) Her beauty.
(d) Her social status.

12. What are Sophy's skills?
(a) She is an empathetic listener.
(b) She is a good cook.
(c) She is well read in philosophy.
(d) She is good with her hands.

13. What paradox does Rousseau observe in the relations of the sexes?
(a) They use the same language but understand very different things.
(b) They are always around each other and don't understand each other at all.
(c) They are quite different and yet quite similar.
(d) They share many utensils, but use them for very different jobs.

14. How did the priest enter the clergy?
(a) He bribed a bishop.
(b) He followed directions.
(c) He bought his pastorate from a friend.
(d) He followed his own spiritual path.

15. What does Emile say he will need if he becomes independent of other men?
(a) Nature.
(b) Steady work.
(c) Money.
(d) Family.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Sophy like before she becomes Emile's ideal wife?

2. What does Rousseau say is cruel and unjust in a man's behavior?

3. What does the term 'lover' mean as Rousseau applies it to Emile and Sophy?

4. At what age should Sophy's parents prepare her for marriage?

5. What factor does Rousseau say has increased the need for government control?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 535 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample