A Trivia Quiz On Early American Literature!
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Do you know anything about early American literature? This quiz is jam-packed with knowledge concerning America’s early start. This quiz will make you put on your Puritan hat. You must know what the Mayflower is, when was Harvard college founded, what rationalists believe, what the pilgrims were thankful for during their first Thanksgiving, etc. You must take this awesome quiz. Make sure you take your certificate when you have completed the examination.
- 1.
The first people to migrate to North America were
- A.
The Norse by way of Iceland and Greenland
- B.
Ice Age hunters via the Bering land bridge
- C.
English Puritans who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean
Correct Answer
B. Ice Age hunters via the Bering land bridgeExplanation
The correct answer is Ice Age hunters via the Bering land bridge. This is because during the last Ice Age, sea levels were lower and a land bridge called Beringia connected Asia and North America. This allowed early humans to migrate from Asia to North America, following the herds of animals they hunted for survival. These Ice Age hunters were the first people to migrate to North America, predating the Norse and English Puritans.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following statements about the Puritans is not true?
- A.
They were Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England and return to a simpler form of worship.
- B.
They believed that the clergy and government should act as intermediaries between the individual and God.
- C.
Some thought the Church of England was too corrupt to reform and called for a complete separation from it.
- D.
They wanted to establish a new society patterned after God’s word and self-sustaining, profitable colony.
Correct Answer
B. They believed that the clergy and government should act as intermediaries between the individual and God.Explanation
The statement that is not true about the Puritans is that they believed that the clergy and government should act as intermediaries between the individual and God. The Puritans actually believed in a direct relationship between the individual and God, without the need for intermediaries. They sought to purify the Church of England and return to a simpler form of worship, and some even called for a complete separation from the corrupt Church of England. They also aimed to establish a new society based on God's word, which would be self-sustaining and profitable.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Mayflower Compact paved the way for
- A.
A national church
- B.
A constitutional democracy
- C.
The Salem witch trials
Correct Answer
B. A constitutional democracyExplanation
The Mayflower Compact was a document created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower ship in 1620. It established a framework for self-governance and cooperation among the settlers. By agreeing to abide by the laws and regulations set forth in the compact, the Pilgrims laid the foundation for a democratic system of government. This agreement allowed for the establishment of a representative government where individuals had a say in decision-making processes. Therefore, the Mayflower Compact paved the way for a constitutional democracy, where power is vested in the people and their elected representatives.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Harvard College was founded soon after the first Pilgrims landed
- A.
So that scholars could work on a new translation of the Bible
- B.
So the children of the "elect" could aquire the skills needed to govern
- C.
To train ministers for the rapidly expanding colony
Correct Answer
C. To train ministers for the rapidly expanding colonyExplanation
Harvard College was founded to train ministers for the rapidly expanding colony. This suggests that the main purpose of establishing the college was to educate individuals who would later serve as religious leaders in the growing community.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Rationalists believed that all people
- A.
Were sinners in the eyes of God with no hope of redemption
- B.
Were either saved or damned, according to God’s will
- C.
Could think in an ordered manner, thereby improving their lives
Correct Answer
C. Could think in an ordered manner, thereby improving their livesExplanation
The rationalists believed that people had the ability to think in a logical and organized manner. They believed that by using reason and rationality, individuals could improve their lives and make better decisions. This belief was in contrast to the idea that all people were sinners and had no hope of redemption, or that their fate was solely determined by God's will. The rationalists emphasized the power of human thought and the potential for individuals to shape their own destinies through rational thinking.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following statements best describes Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography?
- A.
It expounds the moral, ethical, and religious tenets of the Puritans.
- B.
It describes Franklin’s devout religious practices.
- C.
It provides the model for the classic American rags-to-riches story.
- D.
It shows that the notion of a self-made person is an unrealistic myth.
Correct Answer
C. It provides the model for the classic American rags-to-riches story.Explanation
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin provides the model for the classic American rags-to-riches story. This means that the book showcases Franklin's journey from poverty to wealth and success, which has become a common theme in American literature and culture. It highlights his determination, hard work, and self-improvement, making it an inspirational tale of achieving the American Dream.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Pilgrims regard their voyage as
- A.
Only a spiritual journey
- B.
Only a physical journey
- C.
Both a spiritual and physical journey
- D.
Neither a spiritual nor a physical journey
Correct Answer
C. Both a spiritual and pHysical journeyExplanation
The Pilgrims regarded their voyage as both a spiritual and physical journey because they were seeking religious freedom in the New World, which was their ultimate spiritual goal. However, the journey itself required physical endurance and perseverance as they faced numerous challenges, such as harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and the unfamiliarity of the new land. Therefore, their voyage encompassed both the spiritual aspect of fulfilling their religious beliefs and the physical aspect of navigating through the physical world.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The seamen are astonished by the death of the profane seaman and attribute his demise to
- A.
The heavy storms
- B.
The will of God
- C.
His carelessness
Correct Answer
B. The will of GodExplanation
The seamen are shocked by the death of the profane seaman and believe that his death was caused by the will of God. They view his demise as a divine intervention or punishment for his actions. This suggests that they hold a strong belief in a higher power and believe that God has control over life and death. They do not attribute his death to the heavy storms or his carelessness, but rather see it as a result of a higher power's decision.Rate this question:
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- 9.
At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims are most thankful for
- A.
The treaty they have made with the American Indians
- B.
The departure of the loathsome sailors
- C.
Their great store of grain and corn
Correct Answer
C. Their great store of grain and cornExplanation
At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims are most thankful for their great store of grain and corn. This is because they had faced a harsh winter and struggled with food scarcity. The abundance of grain and corn meant that they had enough food to sustain themselves and survive. It was a crucial resource that provided them with security and relief from hunger, making it a significant reason for their gratitude during the Thanksgiving celebration.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In her poem, Bradstreet mostly criticizes herself for
- A.
Losing her faith in God’s goodness
- B.
Failing to react quickly in an emergency
- C.
Not taking proper precautions against fire
- D.
Valuing material possessions too much
Correct Answer
D. Valuing material possessions too muchExplanation
The correct answer is valuing material possessions too much. In her poem, Bradstreet criticizes herself for placing too much importance on worldly possessions and not focusing enough on spiritual matters. She expresses regret for being attached to material things and acknowledges the need to prioritize spiritual values over material wealth. This self-criticism suggests that she recognizes the negative impact of valuing material possessions too much and the importance of redirecting her focus towards more meaningful aspects of life.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When Bradstreet writes “I blest His name that gave and took…,” she implies that
- A.
She is being punished for the sin of vanity
- B.
Material objects are ultimately God’s and not hers
- C.
She secretly wants all her possessions to vanish
Correct Answer
B. Material objects are ultimately God’s and not hersExplanation
In this line, Bradstreet expresses gratitude towards God for both giving and taking away. This implies that she recognizes that material objects ultimately belong to God and not to her. She understands that everything she possesses is temporary and can be taken away at any moment. This suggests a sense of humility and a recognition of the transient nature of worldly possessions.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following ideas does Bradstreet find most consoling?
- A.
God has prepared a rich home for her in heaven
- B.
Through the fire, she has atoned for her sins
- C.
She has emerged unharmed from the fire
Correct Answer
A. God has prepared a rich home for her in heavenExplanation
Bradstreet finds the idea that God has prepared a rich home for her in heaven most consoling. This suggests that she believes in the afterlife and finds comfort in the thought that she will have a beautiful and abundant home in heaven. This idea provides her with solace and reassurance, possibly helping her cope with any difficulties or hardships she may be facing in her current life.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In “Huswifery,” the speaker compares God to a
- A.
Homemaker making skeins of yarn
- B.
Judge weighing evidence
- C.
Person building a spinning wheel
Correct Answer
C. Person building a spinning wheelExplanation
The correct answer is person building a spinning wheel. In the poem "Huswifery," the speaker uses the metaphor of a spinning wheel to compare God's role in shaping and guiding their life. Just as a person carefully constructs a spinning wheel to create yarn, the speaker suggests that God is intricately involved in shaping their existence and purpose. This comparison highlights the idea of God's craftsmanship and intentionality in the speaker's life.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Paine argues that the best way to defeat the British is for
- A.
Each state to fight independently as the British approach
- B.
The states to train their militias in guerrilla tactics
- C.
The troops of all the states to join together in the fight
Correct Answer
C. The troops of all the states to join together in the fightExplanation
Paine argues that the best way to defeat the British is for the troops of all the states to join together in the fight. This approach would create a unified and stronger force against the British. By combining their resources and manpower, the states would have a better chance of success in the war. Paine believes that a collective effort is necessary to overcome the British and achieve independence.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Paine suggests that a state that surrenders its arms to the British would have to
- A.
Face destruction by the British troops
- B.
Suffer the hostility of the other states
- C.
Create its own government
Correct Answer
B. Suffer the hostility of the other statesExplanation
If a state surrenders its arms to the British, according to Paine, it would have to suffer the hostility of the other states. This implies that the other states would view the surrendering state as weak and vulnerable, potentially leading to aggression and hostility from them. Surrendering arms would weaken the state's defense capabilities and make it an easy target for other states seeking to expand their power or territory. Therefore, the surrendering state would face the consequences of being seen as defenseless, potentially leading to hostility from other states.Rate this question:
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- 16.
By comparing the British king to a thief and a housebreaker, Paine suggests that
- A.
British soldiers are using sneak attacks against the colonies.
- B.
The king is in dire need of money for his treasury
- C.
The British are trying to take what is not theirs
Correct Answer
C. The British are trying to take what is not theirsExplanation
Paine suggests that the British are trying to take what is not theirs by comparing the British king to a thief and a housebreaker. This implies that the British soldiers are using sneak attacks against the colonies in order to unjustly claim possessions or territories that do not rightfully belong to them. Paine's comparison highlights the illegitimate nature of the British actions and emphasizes the unjust nature of their attempts to seize control over the colonies.Rate this question:
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- 17.
“The heart that feels not now is dead: The blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when little might have saved the whole…” This quotation illustrates how Paine
- A.
Uses a dramatic rhetorical technique to convey ideas
- B.
Develops a family-based theme throughout the selection
- C.
Presents his thoughts using only plain, ordinary language
Correct Answer
A. Uses a dramatic rhetorical technique to convey ideasExplanation
The quotation suggests that Paine uses a dramatic rhetorical technique to convey ideas. The phrase "The heart that feels not now is dead" emphasizes the urgency of taking action and implies that those who do not act are cowardly and will be cursed by future generations. This use of dramatic language and imagery serves to persuade readers to take immediate action and supports the idea that Paine utilizes a dramatic rhetorical technique to convey his ideas.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Some of the differences that developed between the British and American languages were caused by
- A.
The addition of new words to British English
- B.
The increasingly nasal pronunciation of British English
- C.
The physical separation of Britain and America
Correct Answer
C. The pHysical separation of Britain and AmericaExplanation
The correct answer is the physical separation of Britain and America. This is because the physical distance between the two countries led to limited communication and interaction, resulting in the development of distinct dialects and variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. As time went on, these differences continued to grow and evolve, leading to the emergence of American English as a distinct language from British English.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Changes in language usage occurred
- A.
Only in American
- B.
Only in Britain
- C.
In both America and Britain
- D.
In neither America nor Britain
Correct Answer
C. In both America and BritainExplanation
The given answer suggests that changes in language usage occurred in both America and Britain. This implies that there were linguistic modifications and developments happening in both countries, indicating that language usage was evolving and evolving in both American and British contexts.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The word Americanism identifies a word or expression that
- A.
Was adapted from an American Indian language
- B.
Describes the American lifestyle
- C.
Originated in, or is peculiar to, the United States
Correct Answer
C. Originated in, or is peculiar to, the United StatesExplanation
The word Americanism refers to a word or expression that is specific to the United States or originated in the country. It does not necessarily have to be derived from an American Indian language or describe the American lifestyle. The term Americanism is used to highlight words or expressions that are unique to the United States and may not be commonly used or understood in other parts of the world.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Because they disliked Americanisms, some British purists
- A.
Believed the English language had reached perfection in the eighteenth century and should not be changed
- B.
Believed a new American literature could supplant British literature as the authority for usage
- C.
Were concerned that these phrases would contribute to political unrest
- D.
Were intimidated by the improvements made to British English
Correct Answer
A. Believed the English language had reached perfection in the eighteenth century and should not be changedExplanation
Some British purists believed that the English language had reached perfection in the eighteenth century and should not be changed. This suggests that they had a strong preference for the language as it was during that time and were resistant to any changes or influences, particularly Americanisms. They believed that the language had already achieved its pinnacle and any alterations would be unnecessary or even detrimental.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Many Americans and British feared that
- A.
Their languages eventually would change so much that the two peoples would be unable to understand each other
- B.
Language differences would cause economic problems in America
- C.
The language differences would eventually revert leading back to a common usage
Correct Answer
A. Their languages eventually would change so much that the two peoples would be unable to understand each otherExplanation
Many Americans and British feared that their languages would change so much over time that they would become mutually unintelligible. This fear stemmed from the belief that language differences could create a barrier between the two peoples, hindering communication and potentially causing social and cultural divisions. This concern reflects the importance of language as a means of connection and understanding between different groups of people.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 05, 2010Quiz Created by
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