1. Name: ____________________________________________________
Of Plymouth Plantation closereading
Directions: Go backto the text to answer the questions below. Be sure to include textual evidence and citations
(quotes and page numbers) when necessary.
1. In the phrase “…he wouldalways be condemning the poor people in their sickness and cursing them daily
with grievous execrations…” in paragraph 1, the word “execrations” most nearly means
A. physicalviolence C. sorrow,despair
B. hatred, disgust D. frivolity,joy
2. In your ownwords, summarize what happened to the “proud and very profane” seaman in Paragraph 1:
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3. Bradford tells the story of the “haughty” young seaman in paragraph 1 in order to
A. warn his readers about the dangers of not praying enough
B. indicate what happens to pilgrims who curse and swear
C. establish his belief in the justice and will of God in all things
D. record the first death on the Mayflowerforhistorical purposes
4. The central idea of paragraph 2 focuseson
A. the fighting and bickering between the ship’s crewmen
B. the inevitable peril the pilgrims would faceon their voyage
C. the laziness and indecisiveness of the ship’s crewmen
D. the damage to and subsequent repairs of the ship
5. How does Bradford view the connectionbetween God and the events in this story? Find evidence from the
text where Bradford gives an example of his understanding of this relationship and explain how it supports
your answer.
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2. 6. Bradford uses figurative language in the beginning of paragraph 6 in order to
A. compare the pilgrims’ condition to that of biblical figures
B. compare the pilgrims’ condition to the troubles encountered at sea
C. illustrate the effectof the voyage on the pilgrims’ family life
D. indicate the importance of physical looks to pilgrims
7. Whichphrase below best reinforces the overall tone of the pilgrims’ desperation in paragraph 6?
A. “Itis recorded in Scripture as a mercy to the Apostle and his shipwrecked company”
B. “Being thus passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles”
C. “...the barbarians showed them no small kindness”
D. “...whatcould they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men…”
8. The description of the pilgrims’ and crew members’ behavior in paragraphs 7-9 best serves to
A. establish the contrast between charitable pilgrims and brutal crewmen
B. illustrate the lessons learned by all the crewmen as a result of the pilgrims’ kindness
C. demonstrate God’s exclusive protection of the pilgrims in the face of illness and death
D. question the function of God in the lives of the pilgrims
9. Although the pilgrims were individualistic, they also felt a strong sense of community. Cite a specific
example from the text and explain how your example demonstrates the pilgrims’ concern for each other.
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10. What is most likely nota purpose of Bradford’s account?
A. to record the historical events for future generations
B. to reveal the difficultiesthe pilgrims had toovercome on their journey
C. to expose the character flaws of seamen and crew members
D. to reinforce the pilgrims’ belief in God’s providence
