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Quizzes > Literature & Language > Books & Literature

Ready for the Ultimate Early American Literature Quiz?

Think you can ace this colonial literature test? Dive in and explore early American writings!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz header featuring colonial writings and Puritan sermons on dark blue background

This quiz helps you review early American writings - colonial texts, Puritan sermons, and the words that shaped a new nation. Use it to spot gaps before class or a test, and pick up a new fact as you go. If you want a quick refresher, scan the American literature timeline first.

Who delivered the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?
William Bradford
Anne Bradstreet
Cotton Mather
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was a Puritan preacher whose 1741 sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" became emblematic of the First Great Awakening. His vivid imagery of God's wrath and human sinfulness sought to evoke fear and repentance among listeners. This sermon is considered one of the most influential works of early American religious literature.
Which colonial leader wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation," a detailed history of the Pilgrims?
John Winthrop
Roger Williams
William Bradford
Thomas Hooker
William Bradford, a leader of the Pilgrims, wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation" to document the settlement and experiences of the Plymouth Colony from 1620 to 1647. His detailed chronicle provides insight into early colonial life, interactions with Native Americans, and the challenges faced by settlers. This work is one of the most important primary sources for understanding early New England.
Which poem by Anne Bradstreet reflects on the loss of her home by fire?
Here Follows Some Verses
To My Dear and Loving Husband
Upon the Burning of Our House
The Prologue
Anne Bradstreet's poem "Upon the Burning of Our House" reflects on the emotional impact of losing her home to fire while reaffirming her Puritan belief in God's providence. The poem balances personal grief with religious faith, using vivid imagery to explore themes of loss and spiritual resilience. It is among Bradstreet's most celebrated works and a key example of colonial American poetry.
Who referred to the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a "city upon a hill"?
John Cotton
Roger Williams
John Winthrop
William Bradford
John Winthrop delivered the sermon "A Model of Christian Charity" aboard the Arbella in 1630, in which he declared Massachusetts Bay Colony a "city upon a hill." This phrase expressed his vision of the new colony as an example of moral righteousness to the world. Winthrop's sermon has since become an enduring metaphor in American political and religious discourse.
How many virtues did Benjamin Franklin outline in his autobiography?
21
13
10
7
Benjamin Franklin outlined thirteen virtues in his autobiography, each representing a moral quality he believed necessary for personal improvement. His systematic approach to self-discipline and character formation reflects Enlightenment ideals of rational self-improvement. The list of virtues became one of Franklin's most famous contributions to American cultural history.
What was the primary purpose of Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense"?
Promote economic union with Canada
Advocate for American independence from Britain
Argue for reconciliation with the crown
Support the British monarchy
Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," published in 1776, argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. Paine used clear, persuasive language to reach a broad colonial audience and galvanize public opinion against the monarchy. The pamphlet's impact on colonial attitudes makes it one of the most influential political writings in American history.
What genre does Olaudah Equiano's narrative belong to?
Spiritual autobiography
Political pamphlet
Travelogue
Slave narrative
Olaudah Equiano's work, often titled "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," is classified as a slave narrative because it recounts his experiences in bondage and journey to freedom. His first-person account brought attention to the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and bolstered the abolitionist cause. It remains a key text in early American and African diasporic literature.
Phillis Wheatley is best known as the first African American to do what?
Own a printing press
Serve in colonial legislature
Publish a book of poetry
Lead a religious revival
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry, entitled "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" in 1773. Her work demonstrated her mastery of classical poetic forms and earned her international recognition. Wheatley's publication marked a milestone in American literary history and the broader struggle for African American intellectual achievement.
Which writing style, characterized by simplicity and clarity, was favored by Puritan authors?
Romantic style
Plain style
Gothic style
Baroque style
Puritan authors favored the plain style of writing, characterized by simplicity, clarity, and direct reference to biblical language. This approach was meant to avoid ornamentation that might distract from spiritual truths. The plain style reflected Puritan beliefs about humility and accessibility in religious discourse.
What was the name of the primer used to teach Puritan children reading and moral lessons?
The Book of Common Prayer
The King James Bible
The New England Primer
The Bay Psalm Book
The New England Primer, first published in the late 17th century, served as the primary textbook for Puritan children. It combined alphabet lessons with moral and religious instruction, using short rhymes and biblical quotes. This primer shaped early American literacy and religious education.
Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was part of which religious movement?
The Second Great Awakening
The Enlightenment
The First Great Awakening
The American Revolution
Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" emerged during the First Great Awakening, a period of religious revival in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s. This movement emphasized personal conversion experiences and emotional expressions of faith. Edwards's fiery preaching helped spark widespread spiritual renewal.
Which Founding Father did NOT contribute to the Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson did not contribute to the Federalist Papers; this collection of 85 essays was authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The essays were written to persuade New York citizens to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Jefferson, although an influential Founding Father, was not involved in this particular effort.
In what year was Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" first published?
1774
1781
1772
1776
Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" was first published on January 10, 1776. Its timing, just months before the Declaration of Independence, amplified its influence on colonial public opinion. The pamphlet's call for self-governance resonated deeply with the American colonists.
What central theme is found in Edward Taylor's poetry?
Personal religious devotion
Political revolution
Scientific observation
Romantic love
Edward Taylor's poetry, such as his collection "Preparatory Meditations," centers on personal religious devotion and the relationship between the individual soul and God. Taylor, a Puritan minister, used vivid metaphors and lyric forms to express spiritual introspection. His works remained unpublished until the 20th century but are now recognized as significant colonial literature.
Which was the first book printed in the American colonies?
The Tenth Muse
The New England Primer
The Bay Psalm Book
Poor Richard's Almanack
The Bay Psalm Book, first printed in 1640 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was the first book produced in British North America. It contained translations of the Psalms intended for congregational singing. The work illustrates the central role of religion in early colonial life.
Which Founding Father wrote "Poor Richard's Almanack"?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Paine
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin wrote and published "Poor Richard's Almanack" under the pseudonym Richard Saunders from 1732 to 1758. This annual pamphlet featured weather forecasts, practical information, and witty aphorisms. It became one of the most popular secular publications in colonial America.
Which rhetorical appeal is most prominent in Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?
Mythos
Pathos
Logos
Ethos
Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" primarily uses pathos by invoking strong emotional reactions of fear and awe. He paints vivid pictures of sinners dangling over Hell's pit to compel repentance. This emotional appeal was central to Puritan revivalist rhetoric.
Who is the author of the first American novel, "The Power of Sympathy"?
William Hill Brown
James Fenimore Cooper
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Washington Irving
William Hill Brown is credited with writing "The Power of Sympathy," published in 1789 as the first American novel. This early epistolary work explores themes of seduction, morality, and familial duty. While not as famous as later novels, it set precedents for American prose fiction.
In what year was the first edition of the Bay Psalm Book printed?
1640
1701
1650
1620
The Bay Psalm Book's first edition was printed in 1640 by Stephen Daye's press in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As the first book printed in British North America, it marks a milestone in colonial publishing. Its production underscores the Puritan emphasis on scriptural engagement.
Under what pseudonym did Benjamin Franklin write satirical letters while in his teens?
Poor Richard
Richard Saunders
Silence Dogood
Mrs. Lynton
Benjamin Franklin adopted the persona of Silence Dogood to publish satirical letters in his brother's Pennsylvania Gazette in the 1720s. Disguised as middle-aged widow Mrs. Silence Dogood, he commented on social and intellectual topics. These letters helped establish Franklin's early reputation as a writer.
Which of these is an example of an early American captivity narrative?
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
The Sovereignty and Goodness of God by Mary Rowlandson
A Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
The Sovereignty and Goodness of God is the title of Mary Rowlandson's captivity narrative, recounting her experience as a captive of Native Americans during King Philip's War. Published in 1682, it became one of the most popular early American narratives. The work blends personal ordeal with Puritan theology.
Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, primarily addresses which topic?
The danger of factions
The importance of judicial review
The benefits of a standing army
The need for a strong executive
Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison and first published in 1787, addresses the dangers posed by factions and explores how a large republic can mitigate these dangers. Madison argued that a well-constructed federal government would control violent or oppressive majorities. This essay is central to American political theory.
In Anne Bradstreet's "The Prologue," what issue does she address about her role as a writer?
The challenges of Puritan life
The struggle of a woman in a male-dominated literary world
The horrors of war
The beauty of nature
In "The Prologue," Anne Bradstreet comments on the tension she faces as a female poet in a male-dominated literary culture. She uses a modest tone to preempt criticism while subtly asserting her own skill and authority. This self-reflective poem highlights gender and creativity in the colonial era.
Which Puritan theological concept describes God's unmerited favor granted to believers?
Covenant of works
Predestination of election
Divine right
Covenant of grace
The Puritan concept of the Covenant of Grace holds that salvation is granted by God's unmerited favor rather than by human works. This covenant was central to Puritan theology, contrasting with the Covenant of Works, which emphasized adherence to divine law. It shaped the religious practices of many early New England communities.
What was the title of Anne Bradstreet's 1650 poetry collection, considered the first published work by an English colonist in America?
The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America
Poems on Various Subjects
The Bay State Muse
New England Primer
Anne Bradstreet's poetry collection, published in 1650, was titled "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America." It is the first book of poetry written by an English colonist and established Bradstreet as a significant early American writer. The work reflects the influence of classical and Renaissance poetic forms on colonial literature.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Foundational Texts -

    Recognize and name prominent colonial-era writings, including Puritan sermons, Revolutionary pamphlets, and other early American literature.

  2. Recall Core Themes -

    Describe central themes such as religious conviction, political freedom, and social commentary found in early American writings.

  3. Analyze Rhetorical Strategies -

    Examine persuasive techniques and stylistic features used by colonial American writers to inform and motivate readers.

  4. Contextualize Historical Significance -

    Place influential texts within their colonial, religious, and political contexts to understand their impact on America's literary roots.

  5. Evaluate Literary Contributions -

    Assess how early American writers shaped the development of the nation's literary tradition and enduring cultural values.

  6. Reinforce Learning with Interactive Quiz -

    Apply your knowledge through the early American literature quiz to test comprehension and retention of key passages and authors.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Puritan Plain Style -

    Puritan writers like Jonathan Edwards favored a "plain style" focused on clarity and moral instruction, using short, direct sentences rooted in biblical language (Yale University). Remember the 3 C's - Clarity, Calvinism, Community - to nail questions on the quiz early american writings!

  2. Anne Bradstreet's Poetic Voice -

    As America's first published poet, Bradstreet blends personal reflection with religious devotion in "Upon the Burning of Our House," using an ABAB rhyme scheme and iambic meter (Harvard University). Try the mnemonic FIRE→FAITH to link the poem's emotional journey from loss to spiritual surrender for your early American literature quiz.

  3. Captivity Narrative Structure -

    Mary Rowlandson's narrative sets a template: Capture, time with Native Americans, and Redemption (University of Virginia). Use the acronym C-A-R (Capture, Assimilation, Return) to recall this pattern when tackling colonial American writers quiz questions.

  4. Paine's Persuasive Techniques -

    Thomas Paine's Common Sense swayed colonists with logical arguments ("therefore let us…"), plainspoken authority, and emotional appeals (Library of Congress). Spot pathos, logos, and ethos in a sample passage - this strategy will boost your American literature trivia confidence!

  5. Revolutionary Rhetoric in Speeches -

    Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death!" uses antithesis and rhetorical questions to ignite passion (Colonial Williamsburg). Practice identifying devices like antithesis (liberty vs. death) to shine on any early American literature quiz question.

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