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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 kind of expression does Emerson say that we begin to acquire with conformity?
(a) The gentlest perceptive expression.
(b) The gentlest asinine expression.
(c) The gentlest weak-minded expression.
(d) The gentlest rational expression.

2. What reason does Emerson give for good deeds?
(a) Some men do good deeds when they are of decent character.
(b) Some men do good deeds to quiet their conscience.
(c) Some men do good deeds as a spectacle for others.
(d) Some men do good deeds because it is their intrinsic duty.

3. What does Emerson say no man can violate?
(a) His nature.
(b) The laws of society.
(c) The laws of God.
(d) The laws of nature.

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

5. How does Emerson say he knows it makes no difference whether he does or forbears "...those actions which are reckoned excellent"?
(a) God told him.
(b) Society at large gave him the answer.
(c) He knows for himself.
(d) His experience told him.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does conformity explain?

3. What does Emerson wish adults could return to?

4. What are "sallies" of will?

5. What does Emerson insist a man must be in order to really be a man?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Aside from the consequences faced within society, Emerson mentions in paragraph 12 one other factor that causes consistency. What is it?

3. Explain the quote "Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events" from paragraph 3.

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

5. 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?

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

7. What does Emerson mean in saying, "Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned to you."?

8. What is the "ONE" Emerson is referring to when he writes: "The resolution of all into the ever-blessed ONE" at the beginning of paragraph 27?

9. At the beginning of paragraph 16, Emerson says that "of one will, the actions will be harmonious, however unlike they seem." Explain this quote.

10. In paragraph 14, Emerson portrays the relationship between consistency and being misunderstood. Explain this relationship.

(see the answer keys)

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