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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What book does Thoreau keep on his table throughout the summer?
(a) The Bible.
(b) Homer's Iliad.
(c) Cervantes' Don Quixote.
(d) Milton's Paradise Lost.

2. What did Thoreau do during his first summer at Walden Pond?
(a) Studied Philosophy.
(b) Hoed beans.
(c) Wrote a book.
(d) Read Books.

3. How does Thoreau often find his way home in the dark?
(a) He uses a torch.
(b) He uses a walking stick.
(c) He ties a rope along the path.
(d) He looks up at the opening between the trees above the path.

4. Who is never alone?
(a) The devil.
(b) A hermit.
(c) A writer.
(d) An angel.

5. On what pond does Thoreau live on the shore?
(a) Concord Pond.
(b) Wiltshire Pond.
(c) Catfish Pond.
(d) Walden Pond.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to legend, after whom was Walden Pond named?

2. What does Thoreau uncover as he hoes the bean-field?

3. What was Thoreau doing in the village when he was arrested?

4. "The adventurous student will always study..."

5. Some of Thoreau's pleasantest hours are spent during this kind of weather:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Thoreau think that there would be no stealing if everyone lived the same way he did?

2. What effect did Thoreau's isolation have on his social life?

3. How does Thoreau describe the piece of land he lives on?

4. How does Thoreau feel about walking home from town late at night in the dark?

5. What effect does Thoreau claim nature has on man?

6. What story does Thoreau tell to illustrate his point?

7. Why does Thoreau believe that Huckleberries lose their flavor before they go to market?

8. What does Thoreau believe will happen if general American society begins supporting education?

9. Why is Thoreau so unhappy with the state of culture in Concord?

10. How does Thoreau explain his relationship with his beans?

(see the answer keys)

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