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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 claim does Emerson make about the force of character?
(a) It is cumulative.
(b) It is the only genuine path.
(c) It is what differentiates great men from all others.
(d) It is unbreakable.

2. What does Emerson suggest is required to withstand the "rage of the cultivated classes" and the "indignation of the people"?
(a) The habit of magnanimity.
(b) A sad countenance.
(c) Decorous and prudent rage.
(d) An unintelligent brute.

3. What does Emerson say he will do if he is the Devil's child?
(a) He will live wholly.
(b) He will find the doctrines of the church.
(c) He will try to find God.
(d) He will live from the Devil.

4. How does Emerson say he wants his life to be?
(a) Glittering and philanthropic.
(b) Genuine and equal.
(c) Courageous and virtuous.
(d) Peaceful and quiet.

5. What does Emerson suggest about philanthropy?
(a) It is our right to be philanthropic.
(b) Philanthropy can be malice and vanity in disguise.
(c) Philanthropy is the highest good.
(d) Philanthropy is our obligation to poor men.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Emerson make an example of when talking about living according to his recommendations?

2. What is "Himmaleh"?

3. How does Emerson say a man feels when he has said or done something not according to his own will?

4. What does Emerson not recommend dragging about in his discussion of past acts?

5. What does Emerson claim "statesmen and philosophers and divines" adore?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Emerson mean in paragraph 17 when he says, "An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man."?

2. Why do you think Emerson claims, in talking about some verses he had read, that "The sentiment they instill is of more value than any thought they may contain."?

3. What does Emerson say happens when a young man fails at his first endeavors? Describe what happens and what Emerson recommends.

4. In paragraph 27, Emerson claims that "Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdoms which cannot help itself." State briefly whether you agree or disagree and support your point with a couple of examples.

5. At the beginning of paragraph 2, Emerson states: "There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that ... no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil." Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

6. In paragraph 36, Emerson talks about real and false prayer. Describe the difference.

7. What is the "ONE" Emerson is referring to when he writes: "The resolution of all into the ever-blessed ONE" at the beginning of paragraph 27?

8. At the beginning of paragraph 16, Emerson says that "of one will, the actions will be harmonious, however unlike they seem." Explain this quote.

9. In paragraph 22, Emerson explains God's way of communicating. Give a brief explanation of his theory.

10. What does Emerson say in paragraph 29 about others having the power to annoy us?

(see the answer keys)

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