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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Emerson describe the relationship between the soul and the "divine spirit"?
(a) Pure.
(b) Loving.
(c) Harmonious.
(d) Strained.

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

3. Which virtue is paid to kings, nobles and great proprietors?
(a) Homage.
(b) Servitude.
(c) Loyalty.
(d) Gratitude.

4. Which of the following countries does Emerson NOT mention in talking about traveling?
(a) Italy.
(b) China.
(c) Greece.
(d) Egypt.

5. What will we gladly do when we have "new perception"?
(a) "Use words as good when occasion comes."
(b) "Live with God."
(c) "Disburden the memory of its hoarded treasures."
(d) "Live as strong men."

6. Emerson mentions something personal to him that makes "no reference" to the past and simply exists with God today. What is it?
(a) His house.
(b) His patron saint.
(c) His roses.
(d) His book.

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

8. 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 organizations.
(b) In offices.
(c) In politics.
(d) In numbers.

9. What does Emerson say the man who is "really of their class" will be the founder of?
(a) His own tradition.
(b) His family.
(c) His own nation.
(d) A sect.

10. 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 act with original views.
(c) When men begin to realize their own value.
(d) When men begin using their reason.

11. In writing about strength, to whom does Emerson compare the American?
(a) The New Zealander.
(b) The Ecuadorian.
(c) The Viking.
(d) The Algerian.

12. According to Emerson, Galileo did more with what than anyone since?
(a) A telescope.
(b) An opera-glass.
(c) A thermometer.
(d) A map of the stars.

13. Emerson says that another person of greater obedience can master him, although he does not do what?
(a) Appeal to armies.
(b) Raise his finger.
(c) Openly challenge him.
(d) Speak a single word.

14. In the state of having "life in yourself" that Emerson describes, what does he claim is of no account?
(a) The will and wanting of others.
(b) A man's own personal interest.
(c) Vast spaces of nature and long intervals of time.
(d) This world's many riches.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. At which point is a person willing to "let the words go"?

2. Emerson laments that strong intellects "dare not yet hear God himself, unless he speak the phraseology of..." whom?

3. What does Emerson say you can "present every moment"?

4. What is antinomianism ("The populace think that your rejection of popular standards is ... mere antinomianism")?

5. What "plays us false" in history?

(see the answer keys)

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