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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. Where does Emerson say it is easy to live after the world's opinion?
(a) Among friends.
(b) At home.
(c) In the world.
(d) In your community.

2. "...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) Books containing the writings of geniuses.
(d) The palaces of the rich.

3. 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) The absolute trustworthy.
(d) That which is right.

4. What does Emerson say a man speaking his opinions would do to other men?
(a) Put them in fear.
(b) Force them to see the truth.
(c) Force them to tell the truth.
(d) Force them to listen.

5. What does Emerson say man is jailed by?
(a) The youth.
(b) His consciousness.
(c) His interests.
(d) Other people.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who wrote the verses that Emerson mentions at the beginning of the first paragraph?

2. What does genuine action explain?

3. What does Emerson say a great soul may as well concern himself with as with consistency?

4. What does Emerson suggest about philanthropy?

5. On what does Emerson say we will be advancing if we live as "guides, redeemers and benefactors"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Emerson say in paragraph 26 that the world hates the fact that the soul becomes?

5. What does Emerson say happens when a young man fails at his first endeavors? Describe what happens and what Emerson recommends.

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

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

8. In paragraph 24, Emerson compares us to children. Explain this comparison.

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

10. What does Emerson mean when he says (in paragraph 10), "Nature is not slow to equip us in the prison-uniform of the party to which we adhere. We come to wear one cut of face and figure"?

(see the answer keys)

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