1. Final Transcendentalism test review
May 17 and 20, 2013

2. a. the stars b. the flowers c. the mountains d. the woodlands
1. In “Nature,” what element of nature does Emerson find particularly effective in inspiring deep respect and a sense of solitude?
a. the stars
b. the flowers
c. the mountains
d. the woodlands

3. 2. According to Emerson in “Nature,” nature may appear sad
a. at night
b. in winter
c. when viewed by an adult
d. when viewed by sad person

4. 3. Emerson says that humans can own land, but none can own
a. timber
b. fields
c. rivers
d. landscape

5. a. scientists would study them b. people would be terrified
4. What does Emerson say would happen if stars appeared only one night in a thousand years?
a. scientists would study them
b. people would be terrified
c. men would believe and adore
d. men would live in harmony

6. 5. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson indicates that genius is something that comes from
a. God
b. books
c. experience
d. within a person

7. 6. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson asserts that society encourages people to
a. fit in
b. seek truth
c. reliance on themselves
d. follow their consciences

8. a. one should do one’s duty b. people should mind their own business
7. Emerson says, “You will always find those who think they know what it is your duty better than you know it.” He says this to explain that
a. one should do one’s duty
b. people should mind their own business
c. respect for others is important
d. being an individual is difficult

9. 8. A major theme of “Self-Reliance” is
a. nature is destiny
b. all that glitters is not gold
c. the meek shall inherit the earth
d. to thine ownself be true

10. 9. To avoid having life “frittered away by detail,” Thoreau advises us to
a. socialize less
b. celebrate daily joys
c. lead simpler lives
d. follow our consciences

11. 10. Thoreau went to live at Walden Pond because he felt the need to
a. find the true meaning of life
b. explore his spiritual feelings
c. escape the demands of society
d. prove that his principles were more than just talk

12. a. be a risky proposition b. prove too difficult for most people
11. Thoreau’s experience at Walden Pond convinced him that advancing in the direction of one’s dreams is likely to
a. be a risky proposition
b. prove too difficult for most people
c. be a hopeless effort
d. lead to unexpected success

13. 12. Which of the following would Thoreau consider most worth doing?
a. solving an abstract problem
b. sitting still in a forest setting
c. staying current with the news
d. working to save money

14. 13. Which of the following best describes Thoreau’s tone in “Walden?”
a. hesitant
b. sarcastic
c. aggressive
d. instructional

15. Part two
Matching vocabulary – see “Walden” vocabulary assignment

16. Part three
One paragraph essay in response to Emerson quote and resultant question.