1. Discuss how Roger Williams’ actions and ideas were shaped by his life in the New World. You need to comment on: a. Religious disputes in Boston, Salem, and Plymouth (1631-1636) over such matters as the need to separate from the Church of England b. His knowledge of and sympathy for the Indians – gained during his years on the frontier as an Indian trader c. His attitudes about the authority of magistrates – attitudes shaped by his experiences as “Chief Officer” at Providence 2. The New England Primer’s illustrated English alphabet contrasted the alphabet letters with rhymes of religious or loyalist order, rather than the contrast to today’s bland descriptions with either animals, flowers, fruit, etc. The children’s verses in the Primer serve as cultural expressions of a religion that emphasized duty, obedience, the brevity of life, and the certainty of death. Compare the alphabet and children’s verses of the Primer to today’s culture evident in verses, books, toys, television shows, movies, and the like for modern children. What values were they trying to teach children then and what are we teaching children today? 3. “The Flesh and the Spirit” written by Anne Bradstreet, is a poem representing a mind conflict and comparison between one ideology and another. It has been termed an admonitory debate that was fairly typical in the 16th century. Describe what you feel the poem means to you. Are the two sisters actually two different characters? Compare the wit and theviewpoint of each. Which of the twins seems to express the author’s true feelings? Defend your answer. 4. In “The Wonders of the Invisible World” by Cotton Mather, he believed that the history of New England reflected “Satan’s conspiracy against God and His people.” Mather was a Puritan and participated in the witch trials at Salem. Mather often emphasized the decline of New England. Describe why Mather felt that Satan influenced New England, and that New England was in “decline.” Be sure to defend your statements with page references. 5. Mary Rowlandson’s experiences aroused interest because she was a woman and because the Indians captured her and she lived to write about it. According to Mary, explain what was expected of her in Indian society. What was her reaction to the treatment of Indian women in Indian society, and what was the reaction of Indian women toward her? Test