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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. How is the soul different from the physical body, according to Emerson?
(a) It can fall prey to temptations of the heart, while the human heart can be steeled against pain.
(b) It must conform to the laws of God.
(c) It is lighter than the physical body.
(d) It is not bounded by time or space.

2. Whose principles, which led to a new age in quantum physics, are similar to the ideas hinted at in "Circles"?
(a) Leonard Hofstadter's.
(b) Albert Einstein's.
(c) Gabriele Veneziano's.
(d) Robert Oppenheimer's.

3. What philosopher did Emerson say was the beginning and end of all philosophy?
(a) Confucius.
(b) Immanuel Kant.
(c) Socrates.
(d) Plato.

4. 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.

5. What seldom-acknowledged factor in coloring people's experience is a large part of everyone's life?
(a) Upbringing.
(b) Faith.
(c) Career.
(d) Temperaments.

Short Answer Questions

1. How should history be understood, according to Emerson's essay "History"?

2. Who is the author of "Selected Writings"?

3. What is another phrase for the over-soul, according to Emerson?

4. What is the primary tool of the poet?

5. How do people try to change old patterns in their lives?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the categories Emerson divides the world into in his essay "Nature"?

3. What happens when we admire someone, according to "Nominalist and Realist"?

4. According to "Manners", what people are permitted latitude in their manners?

5. What does Emerson say about private enterprise in "New England Reformers"? Based on "New England Reformers", what political party is parallel to Emerson's views?

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

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

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

9. According to "Compensation", how does nature maintain balance? How can one maintain balance on earth?

10. According to "Heroism", where does Emerson say people should find examples of true heroism? What is heroism the product of?

(see the answer keys)

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