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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. What type of character was familiar to the lower, middle class?

2. What did Freud believe to be the driving force behind human action?

3. What feelings increase when automatic behaviors, like conformity, exist?

4. What is "original" thought?

5. What is "pseudo-thinking"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What characteristics describe the first group of Germans who supported the Nazis?

2. What two choices does a person have when confronted by isolation and fear in achieving freedom?

3. How does a democratic society put pressure on individuals to conform?

4. What traits of an authoritarian character did Hitler possess?

5. How does Fromm describe masochistic people?

6. How does social character affect different groups?

7. What is true freedom and what do Fromm's critics fear it can lead to?

8. What is the social function of education?

9. What is the relationship between sadism and masochism? How does the relationship affect authoritarian characters?

10. What is automaton conformity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the middle class in Fromm's book. Why was the middle class so significant in the Protestant Reformation? How was this role different than in the Catholic Church? How did the middle class emerge under capitalism? What consequences did this bring for society? How did Hitler manipulate the middle class? Would Hitler and Nazism have had a different effect without the support of the middle class? What other examples in history used the weight of the middle class?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of this Benjamin Franklin quote to Fromm's analysis of freedom: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." In your response, address the following points:

1). Explain the relevance of this quote with regards to Fromm's book.

2). Cite text examples from Fromm's book where people have given up their liberty for safety and vice versa.

3). Give several personal examples of how high school students give up some of their liberties for security.

4). Based on the evidence in Fromm's book, would he agree with Franklin? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Fromm's definition of freedom. In your answer, be sure to address the following:

1). What does man gain in his attempt from individual freedom?

2). What consequences exists for man and society when attaining freedom?

3) What cultural and social roadblocks does man face in this process?

(see the answer keys)

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