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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. Which of the following is a precaution Erica takes in Chapter 13 to ensure there is no romantic connotation to her work with Harold?

2. In Chapter 9, what does Brooks assert as a primary difference between humans and other animals?

3. In Chapter 9, Erica determines that society is a series of overlying what?

4. What has Erica heard about Intercom before her interview in Chapter 14?

5. What field does Erica explore in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. What traumatic event occurs to Erica during a tennis match in Chapter 8?

2. In Chapter 9, what does Brooks say is often true ambitious individuals?

3. What does Brooks assess the search for harmony in Chapter 13?

4. What is limerence?

5. What impresses Erica about Raymond during their lunches in Chapter 16?

6. What did the marshmallow test predict about child development?

7. Describe the ideology of Rationalism.

8. How does Harold battle overweening passion in Chapter 13?

9. Describe Erica's experience at the consulting firm.

10. Why is Amy facing so may problems in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harold's professional life takes an interestingly circuitous trajectory as he searches for spiritual fulfillment. Write an essay about the different stages of Harold's professional development:

Part 1) What about Erica's offer inspires Harold to end his odyssey period after college? Discuss the nature of Harold's work with the fledgling consulting firm? What skills does he develop? How does this occupation draw to a close?

Part 2) Discuss the impact working with the Historical Society has on Harold. What parts of his life does he leave behind in the process? What does he find especially fulfilling about this work?

Part 3) What ideas about politics does Harold bring to his think tank job? Discuss how Harold's previous life experience informs the policy papers he writes? What policy proposals does he produce at this think tank? How are they the culmination of his professional life?

Essay Topic 2

In an essay, discuss the role of imagination and play in the development of children. How does Harold's imagination function both as a gift and as a liability? What fears does it engender in his parents? What delineations does Brooks draw between play in affluent children and p[lay in working class children? How does each type of play reflect a cultural stratus, and how does it indicate future development?

Essay Topic 3

Erica's life is a genuine American story. She begins life as a struggle against circumstances, and through hard work she achieves total professional and personal success. Write a three-part essay about her success:

Part 1) Describe the challenges that Erica faces from her early childhood? How does her socioeconomic and family background put her at an inherent disadvantage? How does education help her overcome these challenges?

Part 2) Chart Erica's journey from college to CEO of Intercom. What successes and failures bring her to this position of power? How do her understandings of humanity affect her capacity to run and improve businesses?

Part 3) Discuss how Erica becomes involved in the Richard Grace campaign. What appeals to her about his worldview? What does she bring to the campaign and the White House? How does she regard the political elite class she joins?

(see the answer keys)

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