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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. How does Emerson say a man feels when he has said or done something not according to his own will?

2. Emerson says boys try and sentence people and facts based on what?

3. What does Emerson say he will do if he is the Devil's child?

4. According to Emerson, what are heroes attended by?

5. What does Emerson wish adults could return to?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In paragraph 4, Emerson claims that nature has given us something specific to remind us of nonconformity. What is it? Explain.

4. In paragraph 36, Emerson talks about real and false prayer. Describe the difference.

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

6. Explain what Emerson is referring to in saying, in paragraph 13, "Leave your theory, as Joseph his coat in the hand of the harlot, and flee."

7. 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.

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

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

10. Why does Emerson hold Moses, Plato and Milton in such high regard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In paragraph 3, Emerson writes: "And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny ... obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark." State and explain your opinion of this idea.

Essay Topic 2

Give a detailed explanation of how Emerson recommends dealing with relationships with friends and family in paragraph 30 and defend or contradict his recommendation.

Essay Topic 3

What is the relationship between art, literature and philosophy described by Emerson in "Self-Reliance"? Explain what Emerson says about the effects art and literature have on the way people form their own opinions and his opinion on the subject.

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