April Morning Packet

1. Contemplate p.5

2. Atheist p.9

3. Sabbath p.11

4. Embellish p.12

5. Rancor p.15

6. Cronies p.16

7. Blasphemous p.17

Questions:

1. Look up the word "Aphorism" in the dictionary. What does it mean and who is always using them in the story? What does this reveal about them as a person?

2. Adam describes a feeling he has in the first paragraph on page 4 of the novel. In this paragraph we find the use of foreshadowing. What does this term mean and why does the author use it?

3. Why is Adam punished? Do you think that the punishment fit the crime? Why or why not?

4. Who did Adam believe could win any argument? When would this person not argue and why?

5. Who was considered the most notorious member of the Cooper’s whole family and why?

6. Describe Moses Cooper’s beliefs of God taking sides in the battles between men.

7.In the end of this chapter Adam try to assert himself as an adult. What does he do and what is the reaction of others?

1. Tyranny p.29

2. Cantankerous p.30

3. Belligerent p.31

4. Conspirator p.31

5. Oratory p.31

Questions:

1. Describe both sides of the Boiled pudding controversy in town. What does this reveal about the town?

2. Describe the town’s armory.

3. What was the argument in the town over the newspaper? What was Moses Cooper’s side?

4. It is said that Joseph Simmon’s brothers became "firebrands". What is meant by this and how did they get this way? p.33

5. Which new career is Adam thinking about? What does Ruth Simmons think about this choice?

6. Why is Adam angry at Levi when he gets home? Describe why he is frustrated.

7. When Moses returns from the meeting describe what Adam overhears. How does he feel by the time he returns to bed?

Vocabulary:

1. Soothsayers p.51

2. Impertinence p.52

3. Antimilitarist p.61

4. Sedate p.71

5. Agates p.75

1. Evaluate Levi’s dream. Describe the author’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism with the color red.

2. What wakes everyone in the middle of the night? What does the message mean to these people?

3. What is a "Hell-fire and damnation" speech? Why does Adam feel his father is as good a speaker as the Reverend?

4. Why are all these people making so many speeches?

5. How does Adam’s relationship with his father change as he stands to sign the muster book?

6. Adam’s mother states that they haven’t had a man in stocks since last winter. What does this mean about the town’s attitudes and why does she bring this up at this point?

7. Does Adam believe there is actually going to be a battle? Explain why or why not.

1. Subtle p.81

2. Disdain p.83

3. Contempt p.87

4. Bristled p.90

5. Provincial p. 103

Questions:

1. Where are the "Two score" men heading to in the middle of the night and why?

2. Why does Caleb Harrington wait until this moment to tell his story? What important thing was he trying to do?

3. Paraphrase Adam’s depiction of the scene on the common. See page 100.

4. Who was the British general leading the troops? Who gave the order to shoot?

5. Who was the first to be killed? Why was this shot called, "The shot heard round the world?"

6. What happened to the militia? Where did everyone go? Where did Adam go?

7. Who found Adam? Describe his mental condition.

8. In your opinion, is Adam able to join this battle again? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

1. Vise p.113

2. Provisions p. 116

3. Transpire p. 117

4. Betrothed p.119

5. Compatible p. 122

1. How was Adam awakened? How does he react?

2. As Adam and Solomon Chandler lie and study the Redcoats, what information does Adam learn that eases his mind about fighting this enemy. Why is his level of fear reduced? See p.199-122.

3. As Adam retells the story of the common to his cousins how and why does the story change? What changes does this reveal about Adam?

4. Why is the Reverend’s benediction so short? See p.127 and theorize why a man noted for long oration was so brief.

1. Impious p.131

2. Blockade p. 151

3. Vile p.144

4. Callous p.145

5. Tactic p.146

6. Trudge p.148

1. What was the townspeople’s strategy as the redcoats came back down the road? Why was it so successful?

2. Describe Adam’s feelings as he waited for the Redcoats.

3. How had the Redcoats changed since Adam first saw them?

4. At the end of the chapter Cousin Simmon’s makes a remark about Solomon Chandler. What does he mean about Solomon’s "Innermost character"?

"The Afternoon" pages 159-187 Due Thursday, February 5.

1. Desolate p.162

2. Gibberish p.174

3. Heathen p.174

4. Makeshift p.182

5. Buttonholed p.183

6. Siege p.184

1. Who is believed dead after the skirmish?

2. Who is Mrs. Cartwright? What is her advice to Adam and how does he react to this advice?

3. How does Adam react to seeing his father’s corpse on the bed? What does he say about remembering his father?

4. Tell what events happened at Adam’s house while he was away fighting. Pay particular attention to how Granny reacts to these events.

5. When reflecting upon Moses Cooper’s life, how does cousin Simmons describe him? Do you feel he was accurate in the description of Moses’ personality? Why or why not?

6. Describe how the common looked as Adam sees it on the way to church. Which one sentence seems to summarize Adam’s viewpoint?

7. What is Adam’s response to the reporter from the Boston Advertiser?

1. Consolation p.192

2. Wayfarer p.195

3. Withered p.195

4. Astounded p.196

Questions:

1. What realization does Adam come to as he walks across the common? Is this the same one as at the end of the book? See pages 191 and 202; describe in depth.

*****Your April Morning exam will be on _______________________

and an essay exam on __________________________________.