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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. Who does Emerson say the youth speaks forcefully to?

2. What does Emerson think about being misunderstood?

3. What does Emerson suggest about philanthropy?

4. How does Emerson say he wants his life to be?

5. Which story does Emerson tell to get his point across about self-perception?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain Emerson's comparison in paragraph 15 of a character to an acrostic.

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

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

7. What do you know about Ralph Waldo Emerson?

8. Emerson describes insightfully in paragraph 9 when it is easy to live according to his philosophy and when it is difficult. Explain this insight.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What was the Transcendentalist movement? How does the essay "Self-Reliance" relate to the movement?

Essay Topic 2

What does Emerson say the world has learned from its kings? Describe Emerson's view and give your own opinion on the subject.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the principles of the Age of Enlightenment that preceded Emerson's work. Explain the relationship between Emerson's philosophies and those of the Enlightenment.

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