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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Emerson say boys don't worry about?

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

3. What does Emerson say is the lesson great works of art teach us?

4. What is a hobgoblin?

5. What does Emerson say members are required to surrender in his comparison to joint-stock companies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the opening quote to Emerson's essay, "Ne te quaesiveris extra" and why he uses it.

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

3. 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?

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

5. What does Emerson say about sympathy in paragraph 37?

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

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

8. Explain Emerson's theory on the importance of kings for the world as stated in paragraph 20.

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

10. Emerson states in paragraph 3 that "We are now men." What does he insist that we must do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Emerson's use of stylistic elements such as syntax, diction, pace, figurative language, tone, allusions, etc., and explain in which ways his style contributes to the feeling imparted by the essay.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Emerson's stance on the significance of our past acts, both for ourselves and for society. In what way does Emerson say our past acts are important for society? What does he think about this importance? What does he say about how we should feel about our own past?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Emerson's view of the advancement of society and give several supporting examples.

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