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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 does Emerson claim is the virtue "in most request"?
(a) Self-reliance.
(b) Formidability.
(c) Conformity.
(d) Innocence.

2. What does Emerson say is the lesson great works of art teach us?
(a) Art is a matter of personal taste.
(b) Obey your spontaneous impression.
(c) There are few true geniuses in the world.
(d) Truly great works of art inspire everyone.

3. What is it that we put on in company according to Emerson?
(a) A new set of opinions.
(b) A forced smile.
(c) Our best dress.
(d) A feigned laugh.

4. Who does Emerson say the youth speaks forcefully to?
(a) Children.
(b) Women.
(c) Seniors.
(d) Their contemporaries.

5. What does Emerson say the muscles are moved by in his discussion of company?
(a) A most disagreeable sensation.
(b) The will of others.
(c) Our own will alone.
(d) A low usurping willfulness.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Emerson say a character is "like an acrostic"?

2. What does genuine action explain?

3. What does Emerson say is a conspiracy against manhood?

4. What does Emerson say conformity does in his objection to it?

5. What do others use to "compute our orbit"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Emerson say about strength in numbers?

2. In paragraph 7, Emerson writes: "If I am the Devil's child, I will live then from the Devil." What point is he trying to make with this provocative claim?

3. Explain the quote "Inasmuch as the soul is present, there will be power not confident but agent" from paragraph 26.

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

5. Why do you think Emerson claims, in talking about some verses he had read, that "The sentiment they instill is of more value than any thought they may contain."?

6. In paragraph 22, Emerson explains God's way of communicating. Give a brief explanation of his theory.

7. In paragraph 36, Emerson talks about real and false prayer. Describe the difference.

8. At the end of paragraph 36, Emerson relates the story of Caratach in Fletcher's "Bonduca," who is "admonished to inquire the mind of the god Audate." In your own words, describe Caratach's response.

9. In paragraph 10, Emerson gives a long account of exactly why he objects to conformity. His objection relates to personal "force" and the perception of character. Can you explain this objection?

10. Explain Emerson's example of "boys who are sure of a dinner" from paragraph 5.

(see the answer keys)

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