1. Mr. and Mrs. Parsel agree to buy their produce exclusively from Scrupnor in exchange for a loan. Scrupnor can thus charge them whatever he wants; eventually, Mr. Parsel realizes that the prices may be so high that he can make no profit from his business. This kind of oppressive and exploitative arrangement is now illegal in the United States.

What is the history of such bond relationships in the United States, and why were they outlawed? You might begin by looking up sources under the terms indentured servitude, wage slavery, and kickbacks.

2. What are the different ways in which coal is mined? Which way does Scrupnor seem to have in mind for his coal mines? What will happen to the land where the coal is to be mined?

3. Why is coal valuable? What is it used for?

4. What are the...