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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Nature.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Emerson change after opening Ellen's casket?
(a) He became morbid in his writing.
(b) He began to believe in the life of the spirit.
(c) He began to see the importance of scientific study.
(d) He decided to focus on the living.

2. What vow does Richardson say Emerson made to himself while he was writing Nature?
(a) To capture the divinity in print.
(b) To make a name for himself in European literature.
(c) To stay true.
(d) To stay positive.

3. What does Richardson say his book illustrates in Emerson's life?
(a) His genius and his flaws.
(b) His literary development.
(c) His life as opposed to his reputation.
(d) His emotional life.

4. How did travel in Italy affect Emerson?
(a) He was overcome with awe.
(b) He felt dwarfed by the history there.
(c) He was rejuvenated.
(d) He became suspicious of Old World philosophy.

5. How does Richardson characterize Emerson as a reader?
(a) Narrow.
(b) Voracious.
(c) Temperamental.
(d) Impatient.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Emerson like as a student?

2. What idea of Emerson's influenced Richardson's biography?

3. Where does Richardson say Emerson's interest in religion came from?

4. How did the event described in the Prologue change Emerson's life?

5. What does Richardson say was revealed by the publication of Nature?

(see the answer key)

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