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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. Ball notes that it is a sin to work on Sundays, and what does John note about Henry?
(a) He does not consider gardening to be work.
(b) He is a sinner.
(c) God would not mind Henry's work.
(d) He worships in nature.

2. Why will Henry not pay his taxes?
(a) He does not have the money.
(b) Taxes do not help the people.
(c) He hates paying taxes.
(d) The government is corrupt.

3. John's cheering of Henry leads to what inspiration?
(a) Henry proposing they protest the Mexican War.
(b) Henry quitting his job.
(c) Henry moving away from Walden Pond.
(d) Henry proposes they start their own school.

4. Why does Henry object to the whole notion of retirement?
(a) People work during the best part of their lives so they can relax during their declining years.
(b) He does not want to think about growing old.
(c) He is a workaholic.
(d) People do not take as many years of retirement.

5. The audience's attention then goes back to the jail cell, where Henry is seen waking up who?
(a) His friend, Waldo.
(b) The guard, Sam.
(c) His cellmate, Bailey.
(d) His brother, John.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Henry attempt to explain to Ellen?

2. What does Henry tell Bailey he drinks?

3. How does Ellen find Transcendentalism?

4. What does Henry offer to Waldo and Lydian?

5. Who does Waldo say "were trying to buy popularity?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Waldo marvels at Henry, and expresses his own admiration for Henry's beliefs. He refers to Henry as a "walking ethic," living proof of Transcendentalism. Why does he feel this way about Henry?

2. What does Henry learn about his obsession with Waldo?

3. What does Baily ask of Henry? What is Henry's response?

4. In the play it is not know whether or not Henry stays in jail until the end of Bailey's trial. What do you believe takes place?

5. What is the lighting like at the beginning of the first scene?

6. How does Henry attempt to stay in jail?

7. Why is Henry in jail?

8. What does Henry think of retirement?

9. How does the act close?

10. What advice of his own does Henry take?

(see the answer keys)

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