View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT learned by humans to survive culturally?

2. What does Emerson say threatens culture?

3. What is the subject of "The Problem"?

4. Where did Ripley graduate college?

5. What did Napoleon call himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What example does Emerson give in "Thoreau" of Thoreau's individualism?

2. How does Emerson describe Brown in "John Brown"?

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

4. Explain the essential goodness of wealth, according to "Conduct of Life".

5. Explain the relationship between Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

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

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

8. Explain the Fugitive Slave Law, which is the subject of "The Fugitive Slave Law". Who was behind it?

9. Describe Emerson's two trips to England, including the year for each, which led to his writing of "English Traits".

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What is Emerson's view of Plato? Use evidence from his essay "Plato; or, the Philosopher" to support your claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 614 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample