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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Captain Landais' insubordination to John Paul Jones begin?

2. What feature does Williams say most shapes Edgar Allen Poe's work?

3. Why does Franklin recommend against trying to make money in America through manufacturing?

4. What part of Poe's reputation does Williams say is undeserved?

5. Why does Houston resign as Governor of Tennessee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you compare and contrast the characters of Thomas Morton and Cotton Mather. How are the two men similar? How are they different? Could they have gotten along if they had lived in the same community? Why or why not? Use evidence from In the American Grain to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In "Jacataqua," Williams argues that some kinds of violence are not crimes of passion, but rather are crimes of starvation -- spiritual starvation. Write an essay explaining Williams' views on spiritual poverty and wealth, and spiritual fullness and starvation. Use quotations from In the American Grain to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Williams writes about three historical figures who admired Indians and who preferred living with Indians to living with white settlers. Who are those three figures? Write an essay in which you draw on details from each of their stories to explain why Williams so idolizes men who made this kind of choice.

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This section contains 386 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample