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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the final sentence of "Self-Reliance," Emerson writes: "Nothing can bring you peace but" what?
(a) "Yourself."
(b) "Your own will."
(c) "The triumph of your character."
(d) "The triumph of principles."

2. What does Emerson recommend we do in our relationships with our family?
(a) Help them build their own self-reliance.
(b) Ask them for help in building our self-reliance.
(c) Accept them for who they are.
(d) Stop living according to their expectations.

3. Emerson announces "The delegation from Essex! The Democrats from New Hampshire!" in an attempt to show that men feel strong under which circumstances?
(a) In offices.
(b) In politics.
(c) In organizations.
(d) In numbers.

4. Emerson states that we are "like children" who do what?
(a) "Postpone that which inevitably must come."
(b) "Do not yet understand the truth we witness."
(c) "Are perfect at every moment."
(d) "Repeat by rote the sentences of grandames and tutors."

5. No one but whom can teach us "that which (we) can do best"?
(a) Our Divine Spirit.
(b) Our Inner Voice.
(c) Our maker.
(d) Ourselves.

6. What does Emerson say one shouldn't travel in hope of?
(a) "Leaving all the past behind."
(b) "Finding somewhat greater than [one] knows."
(c) "Escaping the difficult decisions ahead."
(d) "Finding Thebes and Palmyra."

7. When does Emerson claim that the luster "will be transferred from the actions of kings to those of gentlemen"?
(a) When men begin to trust in themselves.
(b) When men begin using their reason.
(c) When men begin to realize their own value.
(d) When men act with original views.

8. What do Alfred, Scanderbeg and Gustavus have in common?
(a) They all lead their people to great riches.
(b) They all are dukes.
(c) They all are kings.
(d) They all protect their kingdoms against powerful enemies.

9. What does Emerson say you can "present every moment"?
(a) Your art.
(b) Yourself.
(c) Your own gift.
(d) Your will.

10. What does Emerson say will explain "the magnetism which all original action exerts"?
(a) The reason of self-trust.
(b) The force of character.
(c) The right of every man.
(d) The power of will.

11. What does Emerson say it requires to "cast off the common motives of humanity"?
(a) Something ingenious.
(b) Something godlike.
(c) Something warlike.
(d) Something fierce.

12. Which system does Emerson accuse of fostering restlessness?
(a) Our system of travel.
(b) Our system of religion.
(c) Our system of education.
(d) Our system of politics.

13. What is antinomianism ("The populace think that your rejection of popular standards is ... mere antinomianism")?
(a) Spite.
(b) Rejection of manners.
(c) Rejection of society.
(d) Nihilism.

14. What "plays us false" in history?
(a) Our imaginations.
(b) Our kings.
(c) Our memories.
(d) Our ceremonies.

15. Emerson claims that man "stands on tiptoe" to see what?
(a) The future.
(b) The past.
(c) His own riches.
(d) His blooming garden.

Short Answer Questions

1. In writing about strength, to whom does Emerson compare the American?

2. According to Emerson, what is the same to both "kingdom and lordship" and "John and Edward"?

3. Who instructed the world, according to Emerson?

4. Which of the following countries does Emerson NOT mention in talking about traveling?

5. What does Emerson say one should ask the "invaders" to do since "God is here within"?

(see the answer keys)

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