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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. In what does Emerson say men truly learn?
(a) Solitude.
(b) Education and experience.
(c) Both solitude and society.
(d) Society.

2. What was the main argument in favor of the Fugitive Slave Law?
(a) It is an accepted practice in the British West Indies.
(b) Families should not be punished for the situation slaves are in.
(c) Slavery is an accepted practice in America.
(d) It is easier to protect slaves than to give blacks equal rights.

3. What is the subject of "The Problem"?
(a) Emerson's biography.
(b) Emerson's fear of dying alone.
(c) Emerson's split with the church.
(d) Emerson's desire to be a true poet.

4. What word does Emerson use to describe Napoleon's intellect?
(a) Genius.
(b) Action-based.
(c) Spiritual.
(d) Average.

5. Whom does Emerson compare Lincoln to in "Abraham Lincoln"?
(a) The Buddha.
(b) Benjamin Franklin.
(c) George Washington.
(d) Jesus Christ.

Short Answer Questions

1. What age did Napoleon usher in that the West had yet to recover from, according to Emerson?

2. What do the Magna Carta, American Revolution, and habeas corpus reveal about the English?

3. What is the celebration in "Lines to Ellen"?

4. What was man born to be, according to "Conduct of Life"?

5. What is a hermit?

Short Essay Questions

1. By what kind of poetry was "The Problem" inspired? What kind of rhyme does it use throughout?

2. Explain how society and solitude are both necessary for people, according to "Society and Solitude".

3. In what three ways do geniuses maintain their distance from others?

4. Explain the Emancipation Proclamation.

5. Explain the events that led to John Brown's death.

6. What does Emerson think of slavery, according to "Emancipation in the British West Indies"? What challenge does he issue in his essay?

7. What significance does "Walden" have to Emerson?

8. List at least three negative qualities Napoleon possessed. What effect did he have on modern society?

9. How does Emerson say a truly clever man accumulates wealth? What examples does Emerson give?

10. What did Emerson think of his stepfather?

(see the answer keys)

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