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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the definition of "docility" as used by Emerson ("our docility to our own law")?

2. Which is the definition of the word "valors" when Caratach is admonished to inquire the mind of the god Audate and replies: "His hidden meaning lies in our endeavours; Our valors are our best gods.")?

3. Whom does Emerson say we should awaken when entering "into the state of war"?

4. Emerson announces "The delegation from Essex! The Democrats from New Hampshire!" in an attempt to show that men feel strong under which circumstances?

5. In the final sentence of "Self-Reliance," Emerson writes: "Nothing can bring you peace but" what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Explain your view of the role of education in fostering such values as self-reliance. In what ways does formal education have an effect on self-reliance? In what ways does self-reliance have to be fostered outside of formal education?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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