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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. What view does Emerson take of human love in "Love"?
(a) Spiritual.
(b) Physical.
(c) Emotional.
(d) Logical.

2. How does Emerson suggest his readers should acquire art?
(a) By following their hearts.
(b) By reading about what's popular at the time.
(c) By creating it themselves.
(d) By listening to art dealers.

3. How was "The Transcendentalist" originally delivered?
(a) As a commencement address.
(b) As a eulogy.
(c) As a letter to Henry David Thoreau.
(d) As a lecture.

4. According to Emerson's "The Over-Soul", which of the following is NOT the essence of the over-soul?
(a) An indwelling sense of God.
(b) Human consciousness.
(c) Spirituality.
(d) Intellectual discussion.

5. What is the direction of nature and human consciousness?
(a) The creation of ever-widening circles.
(b) Walking an endless circle.
(c) An unlighted path.
(d) Like a labyrinth that turns in on itself.

Short Answer Questions

1. What philosopher did Emerson say was the beginning and end of all philosophy?

2. What is the ultimate effect of two lovers drawing closer to each other spiritually?

3. To whom does Emerson attribute the term "transcendentalism"?

4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the best gift, according to "Gifts"?

5. Whose principles, which led to a new age in quantum physics, are similar to the ideas hinted at in "Circles"?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to "The Poet", what is the effect of poets speaking the truth? How do poets speak the truth?

2. How was Plato's dichotomy of the body and soul relevant to Emerson's time?

3. How does Emerson define character? What analogy does he use in his definition?

4. According to "Circles", how must humans adapt to the constant state of change that exists?

5. According to "Experience", why do most people not recognize the changes in their lives until they are looking in retrospect?

6. What rights does every individual in a free society have, according to "Politics"?

7. According to "New England Reformers", what does a reformist attitude challenge?

8. What is the benefit of friendship, according to "Friendship"? What is the irony in Emerson's essay?

9. According to "The Lord's Supper", what does Emerson say is the purpose of the Lord's Supper in Christian ritual? What does he say should be the focus?

10. Explain what is mirrored in "Intellect". What does this yield?

(see the answer keys)

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