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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. In what city did John Brown lead a revolt?

2. To whom is "Ezra Ripley, D.D." a tribute?

3. How many trips did Emerson make to England that led to the writing of "English Traits"?

4. What is the "ill-fated, much-injured race," according to "The Emancipation Proclamation"?

5. What was Napoleon's opinion of inherited monarchy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Emerson describe the English as a people?

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

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

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

5. According to "Napoleon; or, the Man of the World", what evidence is there that Napoleon was a genius?

6. What does Emerson think of Daniel Webster? Why?

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

8. Why did Emerson write "Abraham Lincoln"? How did New Englanders feel about this?

9. What did Emerson think of his stepfather?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Explain Emerson's view of the English people.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 600 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample