English AUTHORS TEST

(Jefferson) What does the Declaration of Independence assert about all men?

(Jefferson) What does the Declaration of Independence assert about all men?

All men are created equal and possess unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

(Jefferson) What is the role of government according to the Declaration?

Governments are instituted to secure the rights of the people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

(Jefferson) What right do citizens have if a government becomes destructive?

Citizens have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights.

(Jefferson) What does the Declaration list regarding King George III?

It lists specific abuses and usurpations by King George III, illustrating a pattern of tyranny.

(Jefferson) What is the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence?

It formally declares the colonies' independence from Britain and asserts their right to self-governance.

(Irving) Who is the author of "Rip Van Winkle"?

Washington Irving

(Irving) What does Rip's 20-year slumber symbolize?

The transformation of America from colonial rule to independence.

(Irving) What is Rip Van Winkle's main character trait?

He is portrayed as a passive, good-natured man.

(Irving) Who does Dame Van Winkle represent in the story?

The nagging voice of responsibility.

(Irving) What do the Kaatskill Mountains symbolize?

Transformation and the supernatural, representing both escape and the passage of time.

(Irving) What do the flagons represent in the story?

Temptation and the consequences of indulgence.

(Irving) What is a key theme in "Rip Van Winkle"?

The contrast between idleness and responsibility.

(Irving) How does the narrative style of "Rip Van Winkle" differ from typical storytelling?

It employs a whimsical tone, rich descriptions, and blends realism with fantasy.

(Irving) What cultural aspect does "Rip Van Winkle" reflect?

The tension between tradition and progress in early American life.

(Irving) What is the significance of Rip's aversion to work?

It highlights societal expectations of a husband and father.

(Franklin) What roles did Benjamin Franklin hold throughout his life?

Printer, publisher, writer, scientist, inventor, businessman, philosopher, statesman.

(Franklin) At what age did Franklin help draft the Declaration of Independence?

70 years old.

(Franklin) What significant action did Franklin take to support Congress during the American Revolution?

He loaned Congress a large sum of his own money.

(Franklin) How did Franklin contribute to American diplomacy?

He arranged for loans and a crucial alliance with France.

(Franklin) What was Franklin's reputation as a diplomat?

He is considered one of the most successful American diplomats of all time.

(Franklin) How did Franklin influence the Constitutional Convention?

His presence helped unify the delegates and he convinced them to approve the final document.

(Franklin) What was Franklin's approach to achieving moral perfection?

He devised a structured method to cultivate virtues one at a time.

(Franklin) How many virtues did Franklin identify for his self-improvement project?

Thirteen virtues.

(Franklin) What was the first virtue Franklin focused on in his self-improvement plan?

Temperance.

(Franklin) What method did Franklin use to track his progress in virtue cultivation?

He created a little book with pages for each virtue and marked faults with black spots.

(Franklin) What did Franklin conclude about the difficulty of achieving moral perfection?

It was more challenging than he initially imagined, requiring constant vigilance.

(Franklin) How did Franklin's quest for virtue affect his overall happiness?

Although he never achieved perfection, the endeavor made him a better and happier man.

(Franklin) What legacy did Franklin hope to leave for his descendants?

He hoped they would follow his example and reap the benefits of virtue and self-improvement.