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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which virtue is paid to kings, nobles and great proprietors?

2. In which hours does Emerson say "We feel that duty is our place"?

3. What does Emerson call history a parable of?

4. Who said "To the persevering mortal ... the blessed Immortals are swift"?

5. What does Emerson call "primary wisdom"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

In paragraph 26, Emerson says, "A man or a company of men, plastic and permeable to principles ... by the law of nature must overpower and ride all cities, nations, kings, rich men, poets, who are not." Explain what Emerson means by this quote and give your own opinion on this subject, backing your opinion up with specific arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In paragraph 15, Emerson writes: "Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment." Explain this idea, clarifying Emerson's views on overt actions and describing what his figurative language at the end of the sentence means.

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This section contains 226 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample