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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 did Emerson say about communion in "The Lord's Supper"?

2. According to "Self-Reliance", the important thing is to be one's ______.

3. What does Plato's concept of the dichotomy of the body and soul provide the foundation for, according to Emerson?

4. What does Emerson link with transcendentalism in "The Transcendentalist"?

5. How are eccentricities dealt with in people who are otherwise fit to enter a mannered upper class?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

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 the fine arts, focusing on art and poetry.

Essay Topic 3

What is the purpose of "Selected Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson"? What do you learn about Emerson by reading it?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 718 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample