Phillis Wheatley & Abigail Adams
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Questions and Answers

What does the use of formal language in discussing public and private matters suggest about family relations at the time?

  • Public affairs had no significant impact on family dynamics.
  • The family was seen as an essential foundation for moral and civic virtue. (correct)
  • The mention of family showed a neglect of public responsibilities.
  • Family relationships were considered private and unrelated to public affairs.

What is implied about the influence of a father's presence on children according to the content?

  • A father's presence is less impactful than a mother's teachings.
  • Fathers are not considered essential in the upbringing of children.
  • A father's influence is primarily negative and leads to corruption.
  • Children would benefit more from a father's example in fostering virtue. (correct)

What can be inferred about the state of society from the phrase "engaged in a corrupted state, wrestling with vice and faction"?

  • The society was stable and harmonious, free from corruption.
  • The society was indifferent to matters of vice and faction.
  • The society was struggling with moral issues and conflict. (correct)
  • The society was successful in maintaining ethical standards.

Which historical figure is referenced regarding the neglect of the colonists' protests?

<p>King George III (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'deficient in virtue or probity' suggest about the children being referred to?

<p>They will be morally lacking without proper upbringing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement is attributed to Phillis Wheatley?

<p>She was the first African American poet to be published. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age was Phillis Wheatley kidnapped from West Africa?

<p>Seven years old (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who recognized and supported Phillis Wheatley's writing during her early career?

<p>The Wheatley family (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which languages did Phillis Wheatley become proficient in?

<p>Latin and Greek (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Phillis Wheatley's situation after gaining her freedom?

<p>She struggled financially despite being free. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of subjects did Phillis Wheatley often write about in her poetry?

<p>Moral and religious themes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable event marked Wheatley's visit to London in 1773?

<p>She was the toast of society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the British Revolutionary War affect Wheatley's efforts to publish her second book of poetry?

<p>It caused financial hardships in Boston. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary purpose of primary sources in understanding historical events?

<p>They provide unique insights based on firsthand experiences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can influence the point of view of a writer of a primary source?

<p>The age, nationality, and social class of the writer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what form can primary sources be written?

<p>Letters, diaries, and speeches. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of content can reveal a writer's attitude toward issues of liberty and freedom?

<p>Diction and word choice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might the time and place of a primary source's writing indicate?

<p>The culture and history of the period. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment is expressed by writers who feel left out of the benefits of their society?

<p>They feel alienated from the decision-making process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a reading strategy for analyzing primary sources?

<p>Considering the form and its effect on content. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle is implanted in every human breast, according to the content?

<p>The principle of freedom (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant advantage people have today compared to colonial times?

<p>More ways to change laws and procedures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biblical reference does Wheatley make in her argument about freedom?

<p>The Israelites' exodus from Egypt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Wheatley suggest about those who support oppression?

<p>They ignore the principles of liberty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Wheatley perceive the relationship between civil and religious liberty?

<p>They are inseparably united. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Wheatley hope for those hindered by avarice?

<p>For them to find redemption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of issues does Wheatley's letter address?

<p>Public issues of liberty and oppression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Wheatley's diction affect her audience's perception?

<p>It fosters a sense of urgency and conviction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might the phrase 'diametrically opposite' suggest about the actions of those supporting oppression?

<p>They are unaware of their contradictions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for Wheatley's response to Reverend Occom?

<p>To express her thoughts on natural rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was Wheatley's letter to Occom written?

<p>1774 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of her letter suggests a more personal and freer expression of thoughts?

<p>It is written as a private letter to a friend. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What background information is given about Reverend Occom?

<p>He converted to Christianity and became a minister. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant topic does Wheatley address in her letter?

<p>The natural rights of negroes and the injustices they face. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Wheatley's letter ultimately disseminated after it is written?

<p>It is published in colonial newspapers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does Wheatley use to suggest a shift in Africa's circumstances?

<p>The divine light chases away the darkness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of document does Wheatley's letter represent?

<p>A personal letter to a friend. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken' imply about the nature of power?

<p>Power is often vulnerable to being challenged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inconsistency does Abigail Adams highlight about attitudes toward power and gender?

<p>Men promote freedom while controlling women. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the rhetorical question 'Shall we not be despised by foreign powers, for hesitating so long at a word?' serve?

<p>To emphasize the importance of decisive action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the phrase 'throw both your natural and legal authority at our feet'?

<p>Women have agency to reject male authority. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the writer's diction reflect their comfort level in discussing government issues?

<p>The diction conveys urgency and confidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Charm by accepting, by submitting sway' in the context of power dynamics?

<p>It implies that submission can be a strategy to gain influence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by the phrase 'notwithstanding all your wise laws and maxims'?

<p>Wisdom in laws does not guarantee justice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional impact does the mention of letters and absence convey in the context?

<p>A sense of longing and connection to the past. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Civil and Religious Liberty

The freedom to practice one's religion without government interference and the freedom to participate in the political process without religious restrictions. These liberties are closely intertwined, as one often cannot be enjoyed without the other.

Love of Freedom

A natural human instinct that drives individuals to resist oppression and seek liberation. This innate desire is present in all people, regardless of background or circumstance.

Avarice

Extreme greed for wealth or material possessions. It can lead individuals to support actions that harm others.

Private Letter

A personal letter intended for a specific individual, allowing the writer to express their thoughts and feelings freely.

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Open Letter

A letter written for public consumption, often addressing a specific issue or individual, intended to be read by a wider audience.

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Who was the author?

The author of the letter is Phillis Wheatley.

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Who was the recipient?

The letter was written to the Reverend Samson Occom.

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Why did Occom write to Wheatley?

Occom critiqued fellow ministers for owning slaves. He believed in the rights of slaves.

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What was Wheatley's response?

Wheatley agreed with Occom's arguments and supported his views on the natural rights of slaves.

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What did Wheatley believe?

She believed that the light of God was moving away from slavery, towards a peaceful and just world.

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What metaphor was used?

Wheatley used a metaphor of 'light' chasing away the 'darkness' of slavery.

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Primary Source

A material written or made by someone who directly experienced or witnessed an event.

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Tone in Writing

The author's attitude or feeling toward the subject matter, conveyed through word choice and phrasing.

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Diction

The specific word choices an author makes to convey meaning and tone.

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Author's Point of View

The author's perspective and opinions, influenced by their background, like age, social class, and nationality.

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Document Form

The type of primary source, like a letter, diary, or speech, which can influence the content.

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Reading Strategy

A purposeful approach to understanding primary sources by considering context and author's intent.

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Impact of Rules

Rules often impact people's lives and decisions, influencing their freedoms and opportunities.

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Changing Rules

Individuals and groups can challenge, propose changes to, or modify rules that affect their lives.

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Formal Language in Family Matters

The use of formal language to discuss both public and private matters, such as family relations, suggests a society where formality and decorum were highly valued.

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Virtue and Probity

These words refer to qualities of moral goodness and integrity. The author believes that teaching children these values is essential for their development.

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Influence of Parental Example

The writer argues that children learn from their parents' actions, and a father's example is particularly influential in shaping their character.

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Cato's Moral Standards

The author references Cato, a Roman politician known for his high moral standards, highlighting the importance of virtue in both public and private life.

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Corruption and Faction

These terms represent the negative forces that threaten a society's stability and morality.

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Phillis Wheatley

An African American poet who was the first of her race to be published in America.

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Kidnapped from Africa

Phillis Wheatley was taken from her home in West Africa and sold into slavery at a young age.

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Mastered English quickly

Phillis Wheatley learned English, Latin, and Greek at a very young age, demonstrating her exceptional intellect.

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Published Poems

Phillis Wheatley's poetry was widely circulated and admired, making her famous in both America and England.

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Abigail Adams

Wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams.

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Early Feminist?

Abigail Adams's letters to her husband John advocated for women's rights and equality, making her a potential early feminist figure.

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Challenges of Freedom

Even after gaining freedom, Phillis Wheatley faced poverty and prejudice as a black woman in colonial America.

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Lost Interest

Boston's interest in Phillis Wheatley's poetry faded during the American Revolution, preventing publication of her second book.

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What does Abigail Adams suggest is the root of political power?

Abigail Adams argues that true political power rests in the hands of the people, suggesting they have the power to overthrow their rulers and establish a new order.

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What does Abigail Adams suggest is the relationship between power and submission?

Abigail Adams claims that those who hold power often rely on the submission of the people to maintain that power. She suggests that if people do not submit, they can overthrow those in power.

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What does Abigail Adams suggest is the relationship between women and power?

Abigail Adams argues that women have the power to influence their husbands, even if they appear to be submitting to their authority.

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What inconsistency in the attitudes of the times does Abigail Adams point out?

Abigail Adams criticizes the hypocrisy of emphasizing peace and emancipation while simultaneously denying women equal rights and continuing to maintain a system of patriarchal authority.

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How does Abigail Adams suggest women can challenge male authority?

Abigail Adams proposes that women can challenge male authority without resorting to violence, by wielding their influence through a combination of charm and power.

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What does Abigail Adams mean when she says 'arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken'?

Abigail Adams suggests that absolute power is fragile and can be easily overthrown, especially if the people become dissatisfied or discontent.

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What does Abigail Adams mean by the phrase 'I thank you for several letters which I have received since I wrote last; they alleviate a tedious absence,'?

Abigail Adams expresses her loneliness and isolation during her husband's absence, highlighting the importance of communication and connection in maintaining strong relationships.

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What does Abigail Adams mean by 'the idea of a year dissolves all my philosophy?'

Abigail Adams expresses her intense longing to see her husband again, highlighting the emotional toll of separation and the overwhelming power of love and affection.

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Study Notes

Phillis Wheatley

  • Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American poet published in the colonies.
  • She was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery
  • She was a gifted writer, learning Latin and Greek to read classical works.
  • She wrote poetry, published in both the colonies and England.
  • Wheatley gained recognition for her poetry and was a famous figure in London society.
  • She experienced financial hardship and difficulty publishing a second book of poetry.
  • She married a free Black man and faced struggles against poverty.

Abigail Adams

  • Abigail Adams was the wife of John Adams, the second U.S. president.
  • She was the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president.
  • She was known for her intelligence and outspoken opinions.
  • She was a prolific letter writer, expressing her views on many issues, including the rights of women.
  • Her letters reflected her advanced political views and advocacy of women's rights.
  • She played a vital role in the household and business affairs while her husband was involved in politics.
  • Her role was more than just a housewife; she held substantial responsibilities during her husband's long absence.

Letter to the Reverend Samson Occom

  • Phillis Wheatley's letter was addressed to Samuel Occom, a Mohegan minister.
  • In her answer, she defended the humanity and potential of enslaved Black people emphasizing that they could be spiritual.
  • She discussed civil and religious liberty and their inseparable union
  • She referenced biblical examples to show the way to spiritual improvement.

Letter to John Adams

  • Abigail Adams wrote to John Adams in 1776.
  • She urged him to consider women's rights in the new laws.
  • Abigail noted that while the men were busy fighting in the revolutionary war, she was concerned about their families, home, and well-being.
  • Abigail was concerned with potential neglect or failure in governmental duties while leaders were absent.
  • The letter reflects Abigail's awareness of the struggles faced by women in the time period.
  • The letter shows Abigail's understanding of the issues affecting the colonial state during her husband's absence.

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Description

This quiz explores the lives and contributions of two prominent historical figures: Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American poet published in the colonies, and Abigail Adams, a key advocate for women's rights and the wife of President John Adams. Discover their achievements, struggles, and the impact they had on society in their respective eras.

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