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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whom does Emerson say we should awaken when entering "into the state of war"?
(a) Camulus and Cocidius.
(b) Zeus and Hera.
(c) Thor and Woden.
(d) Mars and Jupiter.

2. What is a man worth that "tries all the professions"?
(a) Less than a minister.
(b) A hundred city dolls.
(c) A thousand college students.
(d) Less than a farmer.

3. "Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdoms which..."?
(a) "...cannot help others."
(b) "...cannot speak the truth."
(c) "...cannot help itself."
(d) "...cannot display power."

4. What does Emerson say goes with him everywhere he goes?
(a) His giant.
(b) His suggestions.
(c) His guilt.
(d) His trunk.

5. Emerson laments that strong intellects "dare not yet hear God himself, unless he speak the phraseology of..." whom?
(a) Luther, or Milton or Plato.
(b) Society at large.
(c) Lukas, or Daniel or Isaiah.
(d) David, or Jeremiah or Paul.

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

7. Which artist does Emerson say "will create a house in which all these will find themselves fitted"?
(a) The self-reliant artist.
(b) Phidias.
(c) The American artist.
(d) Dante.

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

9. Which of the following does Emerson NOT say "looks abroad" in talking about mimicking other countries?
(a) Our Education.
(b) Our Art.
(c) Our Religion.
(d) Our Passion.

10. Which is the definition of the word "valors" when Caratach is admonished to inquire the mind of the god Audate and replies: "His hidden meaning lies in our endeavours; Our valors are our best gods.")?
(a) Principles and standards.
(b) Courage and boldness.
(c) Regard and esteem.
(d) Distinguishing traits.

11. How does Emerson describe perception?
(a) Perception should be contradicted.
(b) Perception is different for each person.
(c) Perception is as much a fact as the sun.
(d) Perception is something one chooses on one's own.

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

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

14. At which point is a person willing to "let the words go"?
(a) When he or she understands them.
(b) When he or she becomes self-reliant.
(c) When he or she realizes that they are useless.
(d) When he or she no longer needs them.

15. What is it that man no longer dares to say, according to Emerson?
(a) "I want" and "I will."
(b) "I think" and "I am."
(c) "I won't" and "I disagree."
(d) "I can" and "I believe."

Short Answer Questions

1. Emerson claims that a man or company of men can overpower "all cities, nations, kings, rich men, poets" when he or they posses which characteristic?

2. What do young men do if they fail in their first enterprises?

3. What does Emerson call history a parable of?

4. What does Emerson say are "another sort of false prayer"?

5. What does Emerson say the man who is "really of their class" will be the founder of?

(see the answer keys)

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