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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. Thoreau states his residence at Walden was more favorable to thought and serious reading than what institution?
(a) A think tank.
(b) A seminary.
(c) A university.
(d) A library.

2. Thoreau hates the name of what local pond ?
(a) Mill Pond.
(b) Flint's Pond.
(c) Fish Pond.
(d) White Pond.

3. Who carried the Iliad with him on his expeditions?
(a) Magellan.
(b) Alexander.
(c) Captain James Cook.
(d) Edmund Hillary.

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

5. For what purpose does Thoreau believe most men have learned to read?
(a) Vanity.
(b) Pleasure.
(c) Convenience.
(d) Education.

Short Answer Questions

1. Thoreau calls the train an "iron..."

2. What is Thoreau's shelter at Walden Pond?

3. What does Thoreau see in the clear water of the pond one November day?

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

5. Thoreau speaks of visitors from what charitable institution?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thoreau mean when he says "The whole body is one sense"?

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

3. Why does Thoreau advocate living "free and uncommitted"?

4. How does Thoreau feel about taking life lessons from books?

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

6. What is Thoreau's theory about entertaining visitors?

7. What does Thoreau think is a 'surprising and memorable experience,' and why?

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

9. How does Thoreau bond with the old fisherman?

10. How does Thoreau say he became more intimate with his beans?

(see the answer keys)

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