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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. Who wrote the verses that Emerson mentions at the beginning of the first paragraph?
(a) An well-known painter.
(b) A well-known author.
(c) An unknown painter.
(d) An unknown sculptor.

2. On what does Emerson say we will be advancing if we live as "guides, redeemers and benefactors"?
(a) Chaos and the Dark.
(b) Chaos and the Devil.
(c) Evil and the Dark.
(d) Evil and Chaos.

3. What does Emerson suggest about philanthropy?
(a) Philanthropy is our obligation to poor men.
(b) Philanthropy can be malice and vanity in disguise.
(c) Philanthropy is the highest good.
(d) It is our right to be philanthropic.

4. "...the man in the street, finding no worth in himself..." feels poor when he looks on what?
(a) Towers and sculptured marble gods.
(b) The possessions of others.
(c) The palaces of the rich.
(d) Books containing the writings of geniuses.

5. What does Emerson give as his reason for insisting that we "...must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny..."?
(a) We are now men.
(b) We are old enough.
(c) We must live according to our conscience.
(d) Society demands this of us.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Emerson say a man must know how to estimate in talking about society and nonconformity?

2. What does Emerson say a man will find himself if he exercises his reason?

3. What does Emerson claim most men have attached themselves to?

4. What does Emerson claim is the only thing that is sacred?

5. Which of the following did Emerson NOT say by name is misunderstood?

Short Essay Questions

1. Emerson makes an important point about who or what one will see along the way "in the hour of vision" in paragraph 25. What does he say?

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

3. 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."?

4. Explain Emerson's comparison of the white man to the New Zealander.

5. In paragraph 21, Emerson begins an explanation of the "reason of self-trust." Explain very briefly the question he is asking and the answer he finds.

6. In paragraph 33, Emerson says, "We are become timorous, desponding whimperers." Explain what he means by this.

7. Who are Alfred, Scanderbeg and Gustavus, referred to in paragraph 19?

8. In paragraph 27, Emerson claims that "Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdoms which cannot help itself." State briefly whether you agree or disagree and support your point with a couple of examples.

9. What do you know about Ralph Waldo Emerson?

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

(see the answer keys)

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