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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. In Chapter 10, what does Harrison value above all else?

2. What does Harold explain to Erica about history in Chapter 15?

3. What does Erica feel about the new workers she hires in Chapter 14?

4. What does Erica decide to do at the end of Chapter 10?

5. What is the physical indication that Erica and Harold's relationship is becoming romantic in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the business collapse in Chapter 14?

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

4. How does the success of Erica's business affect her marriage?

5. How do Erica and Harold form a close bond in Chapter 13?

6. How does Brooks explain the difference between wealthy and poor children's play time in Chapter 7?

7. How do the founders of the Academy view poverty in America?

8. How does Brooks describe the relationship between the unconscious and the conscious mind in Chapter 15?

9. What is limerence?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Social Animal", David Brooks makes definite policy arguments, informed by the circumstances of Harold and Erica's lives. Write a two-part essay about these policy proposals and their connection to the narrative:

Part 1) Discuss Erica's experience at Intercom. What issues do Erica and Raymond discover while they work there? What policy proposals do they make to the investors? How does this narrative indicate policy proposals Brooks would make regarding private industry?

Part 2) What conclusions does Harold come to while working at a Washington think tank? How do these proposals reflect his personal experience? What do these proposals seem to bear in mind about human nature that current public policy does not?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about Rationalism as David Brooks presents it in the book. What historical antecedents does Brooks discuss in "The Social Animal"? What events did Rationalism engender? What works did it produce? Discuss what essential truth of human society Rationalism ignores, according to Brooks. What useful information can be gleaned from this philosophy, and what should be discarded?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about Raymond. What role does he have at Intercom when Erica meets him? How does his history with the company give him a unique understanding of its failings under Taggert? Explore his relationship with Erica. What does he teach her about how to relate with other people and how to lead a group? What non-quantitative skills does he display in his dealings with the brunch club?

(see the answer keys)

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