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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through DeSoto and the New World.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens to Columbus when he finally makes it back to Spain?
(a) Storms make it impossible to set sail again for several months.
(b) He is accused of making a deal with the King of Portugal.
(c) The King and Queen refuse to finance any future trips to the New World.
(d) He loses his religious faith and decides to leave the Church.

2. How does Freydis handle her quarrel with the two brothers, Helgi and Finnbogi?
(a) She tricks her husband into killing them, and kills the women of their household herself.
(b) She goes to court against the brothers and sues them, winning her case and forcing them to pay a fine.
(c) She steals property from the brothers and refuses to give it back, claiming that it will compensate her for the quarrel.
(d) She talks to her neighbors about the brothers, turning the community against them until they are forced into exile.

3. What does Columbus think of the New World when he reaches it?
(a) He thinks that it is far too hot and humid for his taste.
(b) He thinks that he would like to build a house and live there himself.
(c) He thinks it is the most beautiful place he has ever seen.
(d) He thinks that it is too desolate to have any worthwhile resources.

4. What happens to Cortez when the Aztecs counterattack from outside the city?
(a) He and his men defeat them easily.
(b) He is forced to negotiate a temporary treaty in order to escape with his life.
(c) He loses everything and has to flee with his men.
(d) He and his men win after a long battle.

5. How do the Spanish justify killing so many peaceful islanders?
(a) They call the killings self-defense.
(b) They insist that God told them to do it.
(c) They say it is necessary to kill people to take the land for Spain.
(d) They claim that Indians had no souls.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the outcome of Freydis' actions?

2. Which chapter does Gregory say is in some ways the product of the era in which it was written?

3. Williams, referring to the King's and Queen's promises to Columbus, remarks, "What power had such ridiculous little promises to stay a man against that terrific downpour on the brink of which they were all floating?". What promises is Williams referring to?

4. Toward the end of the introduction, Gregory quotes the following passage: "Question him in hell, O Muse, where he has gone, and when there is an answer, sing and make clear the reasons that he gave for that last blow. Why did he send his son into that tropic jungle and not go himself, upon so dangerous an errand?" Why does Gregory include this quote?

5. What does Columbus do when he thinks the ship might capsize?

(see the answer key)

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