Survey of American Literature I
1. How does de Crevecoeur characterize the American frontier as dark and unsettling?
2. According to de Crevecoeur, what is fundamentally un-American (even anti-American) about slavery?
3. Compare/contrast the grievances against England mentioned by Paine in COMMON SENSE and by Jefferson in his original draft of the Declaration of Independence.
4. What are the 2 main reasons for the edits made to Jefferson's original draft?
5. One of the most surprising features of the beginning of Equiano’s narrative is his frank discussion of how slavery actually existed within Africa among different tribes. However, he draws a very clear distinction between West African slavery and American slavery. Explain.
6. What is the main reason for Equiano’s ultimate decision to never set foot in America again once he purchases his freedom?
7. Explain the heavy irony that Wheatley creates in her “To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth” poem when discussing America’s “slavery” to English tyranny.
8. “On Being Brought from Africa to America” is illustrative of an enduring controversy within the African-American literary tradition: the Christian religion. Explain.
9. Compare the issues on colonial diplomacy and Native American relations as discussed among Canessatego, Pontiac, Logan, and Tecumseh.
10. Explain the Cherokee women’s position as a special case.