AP English--"Of Plymouth Plantation," Close Reading Questions

The Mew Stone at the Entrance of Plymouth Sound,
William Turner (1814)

1. Count the number of references to the Bible, scripture, religion, special providence, God, etc. What types of allusions and references do Americans often make and hear in our own mediums of discourse--music, media, movies, and everyday life? What do these references indicate about modern American ideals and values? Do you like the particular references that are so prevalent in our society? Why or why not? Are there ways that we can be more reflective about the allusions/references we make? How do allusions/references shape a people's culture and worldview?

2. Note sections that contain opinions, bias, assumptions, and differing points of view. Consider how the Native Americans felt. 

3. Remember that Bradford's main purpose for this history was to record for future generations the hardships and sacrifices of their forefathers. Note sections of the text where his purpose is especially obvious. Why is it important to be conscious of purpose in our own writing or speaking and that of other people?

4. Try to note changes in modes of discourse (patterns of writing): narration, description, exposition, persuasion. Why are those changes in modes of discourse particularly effective at that point in the text? Why would Bradford choose description at one point and persuasion at another point (consider the meaning his is trying to convey in each instance)? Why did he organize the presentation of his information in the way that he did? Was the sequence he chose in presenting his material effective, and why? 

5. Find places in the text when Bradford demonstrates his awareness of future generations, as well as the legacy the Pilgrims will leave behind.  Why is it so important for an individual or a group of people to contemplate "legacy"? What types of legacies do individuals leave behind? What will your legacy be? What legacies do different communities and nations create? Cite some historical legacies that they have learned about in world history.

6. Note examples of archaic language. Try to figure out through context what the archaic word might mean before looking it up. 

7. Note appeals to emotion (pathos) as well as logic (logos). Why are those particular instances of these argumentative techniques effective? Analysis is "the why," "the how," the "to what effect"; whereas summary is "the what."

8. Write down vocabulary that you don't know.  

(For all of the above, record quotes--words, phrases, and no more than a sentence in order to support your response.  Indicate page numbers and sections of the page so that you can easily refer to the important parts you have quoted during class discussion.)