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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Emerson referring to when he writes: "...seated at their heart, working through their hands..." in his description of those living according to his recommendations?
(a) The best of intentions.
(b) God.
(c) That which is right.
(d) The absolute trustworthy.

2. What does Emerson say a great soul may as well concern himself with as with consistency?
(a) His own sense of self.
(b) His idea of divinity.
(c) His shadow on the wall.
(d) His own hobbies and interests.

3. What does Emerson say will happen if one does not put his heart into his work?
(a) His friends will desert him.
(b) His family will desert him.
(c) God will desert him.
(d) His genius will desert him.

4. What does Emerson say about the occurrence of virtues?
(a) Men are virtuous by nature.
(b) Virtue comes through action.

(c) Society helps sustain virtue.
(d) They are the exception rather than the rule.

5. What does Emerson suggest one should accept in regards to divine providence?
(a) The ideas divine providence has instilled in them.
(b) The feelings divine providence has instilled in them.
(c) The place divine providence has found for them.
(d) The work divine providence has allotted them.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Emerson say adults feel in looking into the faces of children?

2. What does Emerson say a man speaking his opinions would do to other men?

3. What does Emerson claim "statesmen and philosophers and divines" adore?

4. What does Emerson say Joseph does with his coat?

5. What reason does Emerson give for good deeds?

Short Essay Questions

1. In paragraph 13, Emerson says it "seems to be a rule of wisdom never to rely on your memory alone ... but to bring the past for judgment into the thousand-eyed present." What does he mean by the phrase "thousand-eyed present"?

2. In paragraph 11, Emerson explains what consequences one faces within society for nonconformity. What are they?

3. What does Emerson say about property?

4. How does Emerson feel about travel? Explain why.

5. Emerson explains in paragraph 8 why he believes men "do what is called a good action." Describe his opinion on this subject.

6. Explain which characteristics Emerson says, in paragraph 11, that a person must be equipped with in order to withstand the consequences of nonconformity.

7. In paragraph 14, Emerson explains the relationship between being misunderstood and greatness. Explain this relationship.

8. What does Emerson mean in paragraph 17 when he says, "An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man."?

9. What does Emerson mean in paragraph 6 when he describes the voices we hear in solitude as "grown faint and inaudible as we enter into the world"?

10. Briefly explain Emerson's view on how we should handle our relationships with our families.

(see the answer keys)

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