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Topic for Discussion 1

What does Williams refer to in his title, In the American Grain?

Topic for Discussion 2

Describe Williams’s writing style in In the American Grain.

Topic for Discussion 3

Why do you suppose that Williams, a poet on his way to being famous for his poetry, wrote this collection of essays on American history?

Topic for Discussion 4

Why does Williams include Eric the Red as one of his subjects in In the American Grain?

Topic for Discussion 5

Discuss Williams’s view of the 16th century Spanish explorers. How did they contribute to the “American grain?”

Topic for Discussion 6

Do you agree with Williams’ opinion of the place of the Puritans in America’s moral identity? How might the Puritans’ moral sense be present today in America?

Topic for Discussion 7

Why does Williams seem to be bouncing his ideas off the French? What part did France...