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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the death of Juan Ortiz affect De Soto?
(a) It leaves him without a single soldier who knows the way back.
(b) It leaves him without a doctor.
(c) It leaves him without a translator.
(d) It makes him feel lonely and wish he had a friend.

5. What does the narrator admire about the Pilgrims?
(a) Their devotion to religion.
(b) Their fierceness and hard work.
(c) Their respect for authority.
(d) Their imagination and ingenuity.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the narrator say that Raleigh is now in Hell?

2. What happens when Ponce de Leon and his men first land among the Caribs?

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

4. What explanation does the narrator give for the Puritans' lack of imagination?

5. What does Gregory think that In the American Grain is meant to do for the American national identity?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Champlain's reaction to hearing that there will be an attempt on his life?

2. What proof does Cotton Mather offer to show that witches can make themselves invisible?

3. What was Aaron Burr like, according to Williams?

4. How does Williams explain the fact that Aaron Burr was never made ambassador to France, even though he was recommended three times for the appointment, and that he was never made Brigadier General, even though he was ready for the post?

5. Why does George Washington not especially want to be President?

6. What does Williams say is the reason Americans focus on science and inventions?

7. What does Williams think about Lincoln's assassin?

8. What was shocking to the Puritans about slave society?

9. How is Morton treated by his captors?

10. Does Williams blame Cortez for what happened to Tenochtitlan?

(see the answer keys)

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