Unit 4: Creating an American Mythology

The title "Old Ironsides" refers to

• a cruise ship

• a historic windjammer

• a famous warship

• a presidential yacht

The idea of destroying Old Ironsides disturbs Holmes because

• he once served aboard the ship

• he is a co-owner

• the ship is still useful in combat

• the ship has a proud history

As an alternative, Holmes proposes that Old Ironsides

• would be better off sunk than scrapped

• should be sold for scrap

• should be preserved as a national monument

• should be refurbished

Rip Van Winkle is characteristic of the American Romantic hero in that he

• loves nature

• has an uneasy relationship with his wife

• has appealing childlike qualities

• all of the above

Irving identifies the source of the story as

• a fictional tale written by Diedrich Knickerbocker

• an historical narrative researched and written by Knickerbocker

• a myth told to Knickerbocker by natives of the Kaatskill Mountains

• Knickerbocker's retelling of a German fairy tale

The mood established in the opening paragraphs of the story can be described as

• humorous

• tragic

• ironic

• magical

When Irving writes that " a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use," he means that

• silence is golden

• farm tools are dulled by constant use

• criticism becomes progressively sharper with repetition

• tongues can be as sharp as metal tools

In the end, most of the inhabitants of Rip's village

• doubt his truthfulness

• believe, enjoy, and retell his tale

• consider him deluded

• ignore his story

Physically, the central figure in Longfellow's "The Village Blacksmith" is the embodiment of

• humor

• intelligence

• romance

• strength

Which of the following best describes the blacksmith's work ethic?

• He's rather lazy

• He's enthusiastic but unskilled

• He's a very hard worker

• He's just learning his trade