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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What seldom-acknowledged factor in coloring people's experience is a large part of everyone's life?

2. According to "An Address", what subverts the truly moral character of man?

3. How was "The Transcendentalist" originally delivered?

4. How does Emerson say one should keep a healthy balance on earth, according to "Compensation"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the nominalists and realists each have on their sides, according to Emerson?

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

3. 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?

4. What three categories of people does prudence manifest itself into, according to "Prudence"?

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

6. According to "The Over-Soul", what is the over-soul? What happens when individuals come together for the purpose of spiritual growth?

7. 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?

8. What are the two qualifications for a good gift, according to "Gifts"?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of religion and faith in Emerson's writings.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Emerson's view of capitalism. How does this fit into his beliefs in transcendentalism?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Emerson's view of government and politics as it relates to his essay, "Politics".

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 678 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample