ENG 252 Midterm Short Answer Questions and Answers

Why did the Separatists believe it was necessary to leave England and eventually settle in the Low Countries, despite the risks involved?

They believed the CHURCH OF ENGLAND still carried "ANTI-CHRISTIAN" PRACTICES rooted in CATHOLIC TRADITION, BURDENING believers' CONSCIENCES. When their efforts to REFORM WORSHIP led to PERSECUTION, IMPRISONMENT, and loss of LIVELIHOOD, they concluded that true FAITHFULNESS to GOD required SEPARATION completely. Moving to the LOW COUNTRIES promised them RELIGIOUS FREEDOM they could not find in ENGLAND, even if it meant HARDSHIP and DANGER.

What did the author believe the events of the voyage and arrival revealed about GOD'S PROVIDENCE and HUMAN DEPENDENCE?

The author highlights that the DEATH of the PROFANE sailor, the miraculous SAVING of John HOWLAND, and the safe ARRIVAL at Cape Cod all showed the HAND of GOD guiding and protecting them. Yet upon landing, the PILGRIMS faced a DESOLATE wilderness with no FRIENDS, HOMES, or SUPPLIES, reminding them that only FAITH and GOD'S GRACE could sustain them in such extreme trials. This struggle frames their survival as both a TEST of HUMAN FRAILTY and a TRIUMPH of DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

Why did the PILGRIMS take CORN and BEANS from the INDIANS even before meeting them?

They were driven by NECESSITY, since without SEED they might STARVE the next year. This shows how SURVIVAL can outweigh MORAL certainty in the moment. Later, they sought JUSTICE by offering COMPENSATION, revealing the tension between NEED and ETHICS.

What does the Pilgrims' experience during sickness and death reveal about HUMAN NATURE and COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY in times of crisis?

The Pilgrims' experience shows that in EXTREME HARDSHIP, human responses can vary: some acted SELFISHLY, abandoning others, while others, like WILLIAM BREWSTER and MYLES STANDISH, acted with SELFLESS DEVOTION, caring for the sick despite RISK TO THEIR OWN LIVES. This contrast highlights that COMMUNITY SURVIVAL depends on COOPERATION, COMPASSION, and MORAL COURAGE, and that true LOVE and LOYALTY emerge not in comfort, but in SUFFERING and SHARED STRUGGLE.

What does the interaction with Squanto and the Indians teach about HUMAN NATURE and SURVIVAL?

Despite FEAR and HOSTILITY, the colonists used RESPECT, GIFTS, and DISCOURSE to build TRUST and ALLIANCES. This shows that COMPASSION, PATIENCE, and FORGIVENESS are as crucial to SURVIVAL as HARD WORK.

What lesson does the story of Morton and Merrymount teach about LEADERSHIP and COMMUNITY SAFETY?

MORTON'S LAWLESSNESS, SELF-INTEREST, and SALE OF WEAPONS endangered the COMMUNITY. The colonists' COORDINATED RESPONSE under CAPTAIN STANDISH shows that ORDER, COOPERATION, and respect for LAWS are essential to prevent CHAOS and DANGER.

How did the INCREASE of CATTLE, LAND, and TRADE in the PLANTATION both STRENGTHEN and WEAKEN the COMMUNITY?

The PEOPLE grew in WEALTH as CORN and CATTLE became VALUABLE, and many were ENRICHED. Yet this PROSPERITY also LED to SCATTERING, as FAMILIES sought LARGE LOTS for FARMING and ANIMALS. This WEAKENED the TOWN and even DIVIDED the CHURCH, breaking the COMPACT FELLOWSHIP they once had. Attempts to REMEDY this by granting FARMS nearby only encouraged more SEPARATION, which the writer FEARED would bring the RUIN of NEW-ENGLAND and the CHURCHES of GOD.

What does the account of Martha Carrier reveal about the Salem Witch Trials and Puritan beliefs?

The case of MARTHA CARRIER shows the Puritans' intense belief in WITCHCRAFT, DEVIL'S INFLUENCE, and PRETERNATURAL EVENTS, where AFFLICTED PERSONS claimed physical harm caused by her and her CHILDREN. Her trials reflect the FEAR, RELIGIOUS ZEAL, and reliance on SPECTRAL EVIDENCE that drove the PERSECUTION of accused witches in the colony.

What does it mean that natural men are "held in the hand of God over the pit of hell," and how does this affect our understanding of human security and divine sovereignty?

It means that WICKED MEN have NO INHERENT SECURITY; their continued life and safety depend entirely on GOD'S MERE PLEASURE, not their own WISDOM, PRUDENCE, or ACTIONS. This shows that HUMAN SECURITY is ILLUSORY without God, and that DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY is ABSOLUTE, for God alone restrains the FALL of the ungodly, exercising both POWER and JUSTICE over them at every MOMENT.

According to this passage, why are unconverted people compared to spiders or insects held over a fire, and what does this reveal about human dependence on God?

Unconverted people are compared to spiders or insects held over a fire to illustrate how completely HELPLESS and DEPENDENT they are on God for life and protection. It reveals that without God's SOVEREIGN PLEASURE restraining His wrath, humans would immediately fall into HELL; all their own efforts, wisdom, or righteousness are POWERLESS. This emphasizes HUMAN FRAILTY and the absolute authority and JUSTICE of God, showing that continued existence is entirely an act of MERCY, not something humans can earn or secure.

According to the Declaration of Independence, why do the colonists claim the right to separate from Britain, and what principle underlies this claim?

The colonists claim the right to separate from Britain because the king has repeatedly VIOLATED their RIGHTS and acted TYRANNICALLY, ignoring their PETITIONS and imposing UNJUST LAWS. The underlying principle is that governments derive their JUST POWERS from the CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED, and when a government becomes destructive of LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, the people have a NATURAL RIGHT to ALTER or ABOLISH it. This emphasizes the idea that LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY depends on serving the PEOPLE, not the ruler.

According to this preface, why does the author believe that challenging long-established customs and abuses of power is both necessary and justified?

The author argues that long HABITS of NOT QUESTIONING POWER make ABUSES seem RIGHT at first. Over TIME, reason exposes the INJUSTICE. More PEOPLE are convinced by TRUTH than by FORCE or CUSTOM.. Because the King and Parliament have combined to oppress the colonists, the people have a NATURAL and UNDOUBTED right to QUESTION and REJECT such usurpations. The author emphasizes that PRINCIPLE, not personal attack or party influence, should guide this inquiry, and that the struggle for America's rights reflects a UNIVERSAL concern for all humanity.

According to the author, why is reconciliation with Britain no longer a viable option, and why must America seek independence?

The author argues that RECONCILIATION is IMPOSSIBLE because Britain has repeatedly violated the colonies' RIGHTS, committed BARBARITY, and shown no willingness to COMPROMISE. Continuing dependence would leave the CONTINENT subject to ARBITRARY POWER, civil unrest, and European conflicts. Independence is necessary to SECURE LAW, FREEDOM, PROPERTY, and PEACE, and to prevent future generations from suffering tyranny. The natural distance, historical oppression, and untrustworthiness of Britain make SEPARATION the only RATIONAL, JUST, and SAFE choice.

Why does PAINE believe some PEOPLE SHRINK from FIGHTING for their COUNTRY?

PAINE says that "SUMMER SOLDIERS and SUNSHINE PATRIOTS" only SUPPORT their COUNTRY when it is EASY. He believes TRUE COURAGE shows when PEOPLE continue to FIGHT despite DANGER and DIFFICULTY. Those who STAND FIRM in such TIMES deserve the LOVE and THANKS of all.

What is the OVERALL MESSAGE of PAINE'S Age of Reason, Part 1?

Paine insists that TRUE RELIGION is based on BELIEF IN ONE GOD, known through REASON and the STUDY OF NATURE. He rejects SCRIPTURE and CHURCH AUTHORITY as CORRUPT, man-made systems. His message is that FAITH should be SIMPLE, RATIONAL, and FREE from PRIESTCRAFT and SUPERSTITION.

How does the author describe the development of AMERICAN society and its PEOPLE?

Europeans in America BECOME AMERICANS by adopting NEW LAWS, GOVERNMENT, and ways of life. INDIVIDUALS of different nations and religions MIX, creating a NEW RACE and fostering RELIGIOUS INDIFFERENCE. AMERICANS work for themselves, enjoy FREEDOM, and are united by INDUSTRY and EQUITABLE LAWS.

How does living near the woods affect the BACK-SETTLERS in America?

Living near the WOODS makes back-settlers rely on HUNTING rather than farming, which leads to FEROCIOUS and UNSOCIABLE behavior. Their CHILDREN grow up half CIVILIZED and half SAVAGE, lacking proper EDUCATION. DISTANCE from neighbors and lack of TEMPLES or MINISTERS weakens RELIGION and social bonds.

How does the American system of freeholders and opportunity differ from Europe, and why does it appeal to Europeans?

Unlike Europe, where society is divided into LORDS and TENANTS, America is settled by FREEHOLDERS who own the SOIL, help govern, and make LAWS. Europeans transplanted here can become USEFUL, prosperous, and independent, gaining WEALTH in land, cattle, and comfort rather than gold. The COUNTRY'S HOSPITALITY, FREEDOM, and abundance make it appealing, as strangers feel welcomed and see opportunities for HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE.

What opportunities and promises does America offer to European immigrants who become citizens?

America welcomes DISTRESSED EUROPEANS with BREAD, LAND, and the chance for EASE and INDEPENDENCE if they are HONEST, SOBER, and INDUSTRIOUS. It provides COMFORTABLE HOMES, EDUCATION for children, FREEDOM as a citizen, and rewards for hard work. Those who follow these principles can prosper and leave a LEGACY for their PROGENY, making it a PROMISING and CONSOLATORY prospect.

What contrasts does the author observe between the wealthy citizens of Charles-town and the enslaved Africans who labor for them?

Charles-town exhibits RICHES, LUXURY, and PLEASURE for LAWYERS, MERCHANTS, and PLANTERS, who enjoy ELEGANT HOUSES, SUMPTUOUS TABLES, and social distinction. In stark contrast, the AFRICAN SLAVES endure EXCESSIVE LABOR, HARDSHIP, and MISERY, receiving neither COMPASSION nor basic comforts, their lives devoted solely to increasing the WEALTH of MASTERS. The author highlights the MORAL INJUSTICE of this SYSTEM, questioning NATURE and HUMANITY in the face of such profound inequality.

How does the author critique the moral justification of slavery, and what example does he use to emphasize his point?

The author condemns the BARBARITY of slavery, noting that slaveholders in George-Town rejected even CHRISTIAN ADMONITIONS toward compassion, claiming clergy should not interfere with the treatment of slaves. He critiques the claim that slavery is "natural" by pointing to HISTORICAL EXAMPLES: the LACEDMONIANS enslaving the Helotes and the ROMANS exploiting conquered peoples. He highlights the IMMORALITY and UNIVERSAL SUFFERING caused by enslavement, questioning whether a SUPREME MORAL POWER could allow humanity to endure such WIDESPREAD INJUSTICE and cruelty.

How does the author illustrate the moral and human consequences of slavery, and what effect does witnessing extreme cruelty have on him?

The author demonstrates the CRUELTY and DEHUMANIZATION inherent in slavery by recounting the HORRIFIC scene of a SLAVE left to die in a cage, attacked by birds and insects, for killing an overseer. This example exposes the EXTREME SUFFERING inflicted on enslaved people and the INDIFFERENCE of SOCIETY toward their pain. Witnessing this atrocity fills the author with HORROR, TERROR, and REFLECTION on the broader injustices of human nature and the corrupt systems that perpetuate violence, highlighting the CONTRADICTION between human civilization and such extreme moral depravity.

How does Franklin suggest we truly become wealthy and free in life?

True WEALTH and FREEDOM come not from luck or inheritance, but from INDUSTRY, FRUGALITY, and careful MANAGEMENT of our own affairs. DEBT, IDLENESS, and PRIDE act as invisible TAXES that enslave us more than any government levy. By using TIME wisely and taking RESPONSIBILITY for ourselves, we shape our own prosperity and character.

Who is truly "CIVILIZED," the people with BOOKS or the people who treat others with RESPECT and CARE?

Native Americans follow strict rules of POLITENESS, HOSPITALITY, and CONSIDERATION, while Europeans often neglect these in favor of formal EDUCATION or PROFIT. True WISDOM may lie not in what we learn from BOOKS, but in how we LIVE with and honor OTHERS. Perhaps the real measure of a SOCIETY is not its WEALTH or LEARNING, but the KINDNESS and FAIRNESS of its everyday INTERACTIONS.