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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 dealing with truth we are..."

2. What time does Thoreau begin hoeing every day?

3. What attracted Thoreau to the farm?

4. Who carried the Iliad with him on his expeditions?

5. What bird does Thoreau contemplate keeping merely for his music?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Thoreau state that his midnight fishing excursions were memorable and valuable?

3. What reaction do the people of Concord have to Thoreau's lifestyle?

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

5. What kind of 'music' does Thoreau make while hoeing the bean-field?

6. How does Thoreau know that visitors have dropped by while he is gone?

7. What benefits does Thoreau say he gains from simplifying his existence?

8. How does Thoreau compare men to the stars and planets?

9. Why does Thoreau despise the railway?

10. How does Thoreau describe Time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If you tried to carry out Thoreau's experiment today, would it be possible? Why or why not? Write an essay explaining how our modern society can prevent us from living such a simplified lifestyle. Be sure to include any modern inventions that would actually assist a minimalist lifestyle.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining the opportunities and hardships immigrants faced in the United States in the 19th century. Do present-day immigrants have better opportunities now? What is the American dream, and is it possible to achieve it?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about a person of historical significance and compare their philosophies and ideals to that of Thoreau. Be sure to address:

1 - Views on materialism and lifestyle.

2 - Whether or not this person "lived" their own philosophy.

3 - The importance of this person in history and impact upon cultures.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 861 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample