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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the moral of the story about the lusty young man who fell overboard and was hauled back in?
(a) Faith and hope can see you through even tough times.
(b) It is important to pay attention so that you are not swept overboard.
(c) It is good to have friends who can help you when you need it.
(d) Tenacity and determination can save your life.

2. How much time does Samuel de Champlain spend in North America before he is permitted to establish a French colony?
(a) Ten years.
(b) Fifteen years.
(c) Five years.
(d) Three years.

3. Why is Ponce de Leon free to go exploring in Florida?
(a) He is independently wealthy and can do as he pleases.
(b) He is not free to go, but goes anyway.
(c) He has been relieved of his job as Governor.
(d) He has already accomplished all that he came for.

4. What does Columbus do when he thinks the ship might capsize?
(a) He curses the day he ever set out to find the New World.
(b) He has a meeting of his crew and asks everyone to try his best.
(c) He puts a note in a cask and throws it into the sea.
(d) He prays that the ship will make it back to Spain.

5. What would Gregory be most likely to describe history as?
(a) A tapestry of culture and stories.
(b) A science in its own right.
(c) A compendium of dates, data, and quotations.
(d) A story written only by the winners.

6. What do Indian envoys bring to De Soto and his men?
(a) Berries, animal skins, and meat.
(b) Gold, silver, and pearls.
(c) Handmade tools, sewing needles and tents.
(d) Live pigs, horses, and dogs.

7. Where do De Soto and his men retreat to after the Indians burn their camp?
(a) Cutifachiqui.
(b) Mabilla.
(c) Chicacilla.
(d) Anhaica Apalachi.

8. What happens when Ponce de Leon and his men first land among the Caribs?
(a) They make peace with the Caribs and do not have to fight.
(b) The Caribs welcome them with open arms and a big feast.
(c) They slaughter the Caribs, leaving none alive.
(d) The Caribs kidnap their women and shoot their dog.

9. What happens to Thomas Morton as a result of the Maypole celebration?
(a) He is kidnapped by the Indians.
(b) He is given an award by the colonists.
(c) He is arrested and sent back to England.
(d) He is shot in a fight.

10. What kind of literature does Gregory say is forced to answer the question of whether or not it is sincere?
(a) Modern literature.
(b) American literature.
(c) Classical literature.
(d) English literature.

11. Where does De Soto begin his journey into the North American mainland?
(a) Alabama.
(b) Florida.
(c) Georgia.
(d) Lousisiana.

12. What happens when Bridget Bishop attempts to plead not guilty?
(a) She is convicted of gross lying in the court.
(b) She is tortured until she confesses.
(c) She is denied the chance to hear the witnesses against her.
(d) She is allowed to speak on her own behalf.

13. Why do the Puritans disapprove of Thomas Morton?
(a) He barters guns and liquor to Indians.
(b) He does not pay his taxes.
(c) He is not married.
(d) He does not believe in God.

14. 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?
(a) To prove that Walter Raleigh was a coward.
(b) To suggest that even Williams cannot answer all of history's questions.
(c) To demonstrate that history must judge the actions of historical figures.
(d) To show the lyricism of Williams' prose.

15. What title does the narrator give Raleigh?
(a) The Sword of the Queen.
(b) The Heart of the Queen.
(c) The Hand of the Queen.
(d) The Breath of the Queen.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Freydis?

2. 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?

3. Which of the following is one of the goals, listed by Cotton Mather, that the Puritans have in mind when they found their colonies?

4. Who is "beautiful as a cane box"?

5. What does the following sentence mean? "Rather the ice than their way: to take what is mine by single strength, theirs by the crookedness of their law."

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