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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If the people within a commune did not work equally, what does Emerson say the harder-working individuals would do?
(a) Defect and start another commune.
(b) Defect and seek fortunes in the larger world.
(c) Create a hierarchy and rule the weaker workers.
(d) Grow agitated and start fighting among themselves.

2. How are eccentricities dealt with in people who are otherwise fit to enter a mannered upper class?
(a) They become ammunition for expulsion from that upper class.
(b) They become a matter of amusement.
(c) They are molded into good manners.
(d) They are politely ignored.

3. How is truth revealed, according to "Intellect"?
(a) As a butterfly from a caterpillar.
(b) As a wandering light.
(c) As a bolt of lightning.
(d) As a wave in the ocean.

4. What direction is character aligned with, according to Emerson?
(a) East.
(b) North.
(c) South.
(d) West.

5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the best gift, according to "Gifts"?
(a) Something that acknowledges an essential truth about the giver.
(b) Something that acknowledges an essential truth about the receiver.
(c) Something that comes directly from the giver.
(d) Something that reflects the giver.

6. According to Emerson, every man is both ______ and partialist.
(a) Universalist.
(b) Humanist.
(c) Pantheist.
(d) Spiritualist.

7. What does Emerson see evidence of everywhere he looks in society?
(a) Loyalty to European traditions.
(b) Decadence.
(c) Lack of desire for independence.
(d) Defiant reformist mentality.

8. According to Emerson, what do realists have on their side?
(a) Reason.
(b) Emotion.
(c) Heart.
(d) Faith.

9. What word or phrase means a belief that God's grace allows an individual to ignore all laws, divine and terrestrial?
(a) Faith.
(b) Divine providence.
(c) Entitlement.
(d) Antinomianism.

10. What are "apologies for gifts," according to Emerson?
(a) Fancy jewelry.
(b) Flowers.
(c) Books.
(d) Store-bought gifts.

11. What is the function of art, according to Emerson?
(a) To open our eyes.
(b) To prompt discussions about art.
(c) To raise controversies.
(d) To reveal inner thoughts of the artist.

12. What does Emerson say people hope to have happen to old patterns?
(a) To be shocked out of them.
(b) To find others who share them.
(c) To learn from them.
(d) To forget them.

13. According to "Self-Reliance", the important thing is to be one's ______.
(a) Authentic self.
(b) Spiritual self.
(c) Inner self.
(d) Natural self.

14. According to Emerson, what can only be glimpsed but never possessed?
(a) The true beauties of nature.
(b) God's divine design.
(c) The true purpose of nature.
(d) The true purpose of mankind.

15. What is bereft of models of heroism, according to Emerson's "Heroism"?
(a) Secular society.
(b) Contemporary literature.
(c) Public education.
(d) Historical folklore.

Short Answer Questions

1. True prudence does not question ______ laws.

2. What year is the focus of "New England Reformers"?

3. At what college did Emerson give "The American Scholar" as an address?

4. Which of the following is the best and most efficient type of economy for man, according to Emerson?

5. Why does Emerson say every man is not duplicitous for not only being partialist?

(see the answer keys)

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