April Morning .1
Vocabulary:

Superstition:
Excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings.

Gratified:
Give pleasure or satisfaction.

Enlightened:
Having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.

Deemed:
Regard or consider in a specified way.

Contemplating:
Look thoughtfully for a long time at.

Sufficiently:
Enough.

Appreciatively:
Recognize the full worth of.

Indignation:
Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

Provoking:
Annoy or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome
one) in someone.

Fortnight:
Two weeks.

Cozen:
Trick or to deceive.

Pretense:
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

Atheist:
A belief that God does not exist.

Opinionated:
Conceitedly assertive and dogmatic in one's opinions.

Dissenters:
A person who dissents.

Yeoman:
A man holding and cultivating a small landed estate.

Manifesto:
A public declaration of policy and aims.

Discourse:
Written or spoken communication or debate

Inherent:
Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.

Speculating:
Form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

Competition:
The activity or condition of competing.

Acknowledgment:
Acceptance of the truth or existence of something.

Humility:
A modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness.

Rancor:
Bitterness or resentfulness.

Ominous:
Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.

Cronies:
An old woman who is thin and ugly.

Compensation:
Something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss,
injury, or suffering.

Doggerel:
Comic verse composed in irregular rhythm.

Blasphemous:
Sacrilegious against God or sacred things.

Argumentation:
The action or process of reasoning systematically in support of an idea,
action, or theory.

Disputation:
Debate or argument.

Abomination:
A thing that causes disgust or hatred.

Fillip:
Movement made by bending the last joint of a finger against the thumb and
suddenly releasing it.

Inviolate:
Free or safe from injury or violation.

Cantankerous:
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.

Enamored:
In love with.
Discussion Questions and activities:
1. How would you describe the relationship between Adam and his father?
They don’t have a good relationship they resent each other.
2. What does Adam do at the well while drawing water from it?
His brother saw him casting a spell, which his father really hated.
3. Why is Adam’s father opposed to “magic spells”?
His father hated spells and said, “They were worse than the instrument of the devil,
they were the instrument of ignorance”
4. How does Adam’s mother think he should spend his time? What is the Holy writ?
Her mother wants him to be studying the bible more. The Holy writ is also known as
bible.
5. What is Adam’s complaint about Isaiah Peterkin?
Adam thinks that Isaiah Peterkin is wicked, hypocrite and ‘two faced’.
6. What does Granny accuse Adam of being? Is she right?
Granny sees Adam spiteful. Granny is right because Adam always questions the
intentions of the people around him
7. Why do the Coopers set an extra plate at their table?
They set an extra plate on the table because it is a manifesto of hospitality, and
invitation to anyone who crossed our threshold at mealtime.
8. Why does Mr. Cooper not bow his head at dinner during the blessing?
He believed that we should stand face to face to our God, as befitting what He had
created in His own image and should not bow our heads.
9. How does Granny tread her son (Adam’s father) at dinner?
Granny treated her son Moses as if he was half grown.
10. Why is Adam’s father so angry with him at the dinner? What reasons does he
give for his outrage?
Adam’s father is really angry at him because he casted the spell on the water well
and believed on superstition. His father despised superstition because it’s is a
display of ignorance.
11. Why is Mrs. Copper’s grandfather Isaac an embarrassment to the family?
His grandfather Isaac is an embarrassment to the family because he married two
wife, one in Boston and one in Philadelphia.
12. Why has Joseph Simmons stopped by the Cooper House? Why do you think
Moses Cooper does not like what Joseph has written?
Cousin Simmons has been tasked with the committee to write a statement on the
rights of man, and he shared the draft to Moses.
Moses disagrees with the opening statement that the rights of man are derived from
God and His will: he believes such a religious approach does not suit the needs of the
statement, that it only muddies the issues unnecessarily.
13. How does Adam feel about his father? Is this true?
Adam feels that his father has always underestimated and hates him for not being
man enough and ignorant for his age. Yes it is true because he always find faults in
him.
14. Why is Adam’s brother Levi scared of him?
His brother is scared of him because Adam might lick him especially when he
reported Adam to their father.
15. What words might you use to describe Levi?
Levi is fearful and do what is right like telling his father what Adam did.
Prediction:
Will Adam resolve his problems with his father? How will he prove that he is a man?
Yes he can prove he’s a man by joining his father in the battle against the British
Military.
April Morning .2
Vocabulary:

Suet
The hard white fat on the kidneys of animals.
The early people are using suet to make candles and wax.

Conciliative
Stop from being angry or discontented.
After the peace talk with the president, the realist become conciliative and
calm.

Controversy
Disagreement, typically when prolonged, public, and heated.
The media was feasting from the controversy of the nude pictures of
Princess Kate Middleton in France.

Assessment
The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or
something.
The teachers are busy in making their annual assessments of the learning
performance of the students.

Deferred
Put off to a later time; postpone.
The launching of the latest Apple Ipad was deferred due to some technical
problems.

Siege
A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building,
cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of
those inside.
The siege to Iraq is always in dangerous circumstances.

Fortnight
A period of two weeks.
Every fortnight I dream about some thing scary.

Orthodox
Conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true.
Bisexual marriage is always been questioned if its orthodox or not to some
people.

Presumptuous
Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.
Some politicians are presumptuous to power and wealth when they are in
the government positions.

Apocryphal
doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
The Da Vinci Code is apocryphal in the people’s beliefs.

Egalitarians
Relating to, or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve
equal rights and opportunities.
Martin Luther King is a famous egalitarian who help freed the blacks from
slavery.

Fray
Unravel or become worn at the edge, typically through constant rubbing.
It irritates me that my older brother always pushes me to a fray.

Kindred
One's family and relations.
I am going to visit my kindred in Scotland this Christmas.

Cantankerous
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
My members do not want to include Paul in the group because he is
cantankerous.

Belligerent
Hostile and aggressive.
A soldier should not be hostile and aggressive in handling military strategies

Indignation
Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
The student council was surprised with the indignation showed by the
president of the school.

Skulk
Keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive.
The husband is annoyed because his wife skulking and complaining the
whole day.

Dastardly
Wicked and cruel.
The manager treats his employees dastardly at work.

Oratory
A small chapel for private worship
Sylvia was awarded as a grand prize winner in the Oratory Contest.

Denunciation
Public condemnation of someone or something.
The reporter was sued for the denunciation of an actor in Hollywood.

Sympathetic
Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.
She is very sympathetic of the victims of earthquake in Haiti.

Adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
The mayor of the province is so adamant from the plea of the poor farmers.

Melancholy
A deep, pensive, and long lasting sadness.
Her melancholy is sending negative vibes to the people around her.

Trifle
A thing of little value or importance.

Pious
Devoutly religious.

Dyspepsia
Indigestion.

Morbid
Characterized by or appealing to an abnormal and unhealthy interest in
disturbing and unpleasant subjects, esp. death and disease

Misbegotten
Badly conceived, designed, or planned.

Bigamist
The act of going through a marriage ceremony while already married to
another person.

Bigot
A person who is bigoted.

Contradictory
Mutually opposed or inconsistent.

Twined
Strong thread or string consisting of two or more strands of hemp, cotton, or
nylon twisted together.

Sarcasm
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

Virtuous
Having or showing high moral standards.
Back in old days, men must be virtuous other wise they will be seen as rude.

Derive
Obtain something from.
I derived the prize of me winning the contest from the consoler.
Discussion Questions and Activities:
1. What is decided at the committee meeting on each of the following issues:
Financed, weapons, and Drilling?
They decided that weapons should being kept in their own house, 3 pence per
member to be paid, and drilling will commence in the commons with the help of a
person from Concord.
2. Why doesn’t the town need a newspaper?
Many scholars feel it was journalism, which won the war for the Americans since it
shaped public opinion and spread news of the British abuses
3. Why are the men apprehensive about keeping minutes of their meeting?
Because they didn’t want to risk it falling in to the wrong hand because it was all
against the British military and governance. The meeting is illegal and very
dangerous.
4. Why do so many invest in the slave trading business.
Because the people that invests in the slave trading business earns a lot of money
5. Why doesn’t Joseph Simmons talk about or refer to his four brothers in any way?
Cousin Simmons was the town blacksmith and had broken off relations with his
brothers when they decided to invest in slavers.
6. How would you describe the relationship between Adam and Ruth?
Adam thinks Ruth Simmons is beautiful and admires her for who she is. When Adam
goes to visit her, he lets out all the frustration he has inside about his father's
belittling.
7. What offer has uncle Ishmael made to Adam? Why does Adam feel he should now
accept this offer?
Uncle Ishmael offers Adam to go out the sea with him but his father set a trap for his
son. Adam feel he should now accept this offer because he want to get away from his
dad and make his dad think that he is a real man but his father thinks differently
8. Why is Levi cleaning Adam’s gun? Why do you think Mother is so upset about Levi
saying he could kill a red coat soldier?
Levi was cleaning Adam’s gun because he want’s to kill some ‘red coats’ and
imagining what if he put a real musket ball in it. His mother was upset because he
was talking in such a poor manner
9. Using a T-chart, Begin a comparison of Adam and his brother Levi
Comparison of Adam Cooper and Levi Cooper
Adam Cooper
Adam is disobedient. He does not obey
his parents most of the time and defy
things that are against their rule and
what they want.
Adam is brave. He doesn’t fear to fight
the British army. He even volunteered to
join the battle.
He is curious and discerning. He is
curious about some information and
facts of life and the bible teachings. He
discerns some laws and intents of the
other people like his Isaiah Peterkin.
Adam is determined. He continued to
fight the battle even though he has
witnessed the death of his father.
Levi is irresponsible in doing his tasks
like studying the bible. However, he has
proven in the end that he could be
responsible as he took charge of his
family after the battle and death of his
father.
Levi Cooper
Levi is obedient. He obeys his parents
orders and lessons.
Levi can be fearsome. He hid from his
brother for the fear that he will be
beaten or confronted because he
reported his casting of spells to their
father.
He accepts what his father thought about
superstitions and do not question it.
Levi is determined. He wanted to kill the
red coat soldiers that he even got and
cleaned Adam’s gun.
Levi is responsible. He sees to it that he
does his tasks and his parents orders.
10. What realization about Adam does Moses Cooper come to at the end of this
chapter? What part does Granny play in his realization?
Moses realized that his son Adam thinks that he hates him. He realized that he has
been hard on Adam. Granny backed this up, adding that Moses takes after his stern
father - and her dead husband - in pigheaded stubbornness and pride. Moses
planned to Moses decides to rethink his treatment of Adam and let him know that he
loves him.
Prediction:
How will Moses treat his son Adam, Differently?
Moses will give more respect to Adam by treating him more of a grown up. He will
show how he loves him. And also Moses would try to reason with his son more and
try to understand him more.
April Morning .3
Vocabulary:

Distraction
A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.

Apoplectic
Overcome with anger; extremely indignant.

Impertinence
Not showing proper respect; rude.

Monotheism
The doctrine or belief that there is only one God.

Anathema
Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes.

Precedence
The condition of being considered more important than someone or
something else; priority in importance, order, or rank.

Erratic
Not even or regular in pattern or movement to be unpredictable.

Prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

Interdicted
An authoritative prohibition.

Disdain
The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or
respect; contempt.

Equitable
Fair and impartial.

Confiscate
Take or seize some thing with authority.

Muster
Troops in inspection or in preparation for battle

Incumbent

Necessary for someone as a duty or responsibility
Vicinity
The area near or surrounding a particular place.

Implication
The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not
explicitly stated.

Incompetence
Not having or showing the necessary skills to do something successfully.

Cowardice
Lack of bravery.

Temporal
Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs.

Deference
Humble submission and respect.

Babble
Talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way.

Ceremonial
Relating to or used for formal events of a religious or public nature.

Salient
Most noticeable or important.

Sedate
Calm, dignified, and unhurried.

Providential
Occurring at a favorable time; opportune.

Tirade
A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
Discussion Questions and Activities:
1. What does Adam tell his brother Levi is the reason for his dreams and nightmare?
Adam tried to dismiss Levi's dream as a silly nightmare, attributing the imagery to
all the time Levi and his friends were playing war. Adam said that Levi and his
friends spend their time playing war and shooting redcoats. Levi has always have
the color red in his mind even when he is asleep; and that was the reason he dreamt
of a red sky.
2. Why does the coming of the nightrider cause such excitement in the town?
The night rider has caused excitement to the town because the he carries a very
important news as he rode a warning express. The rider announced that the troops
of Bristish army are coming in the concord.
3. Why is the British army headed toward Concord?
The British army had marched out of Boston and were headed to Concord, to
confiscate the store of military supplies the colonists are keeping in the town.
4. What are the four positions of actions to take about the coming of the British?
1st position:
Jonas Parker wanted an immediate muster of the militia since they have stored a
hogshead of powder and lead shot that can be considered as their mustering point.
2nd position:
Moses Cooper resisted a militia muster because it is dangerous to arm every sleepy
citizen in the community and someone was bound to get hurt. He pressed for a
Committee meeting in the church first before they jump into wild conclusions.
3rd position:
The Reverend would like to check the facts first before they do anything. He didn’t
even want to ring the bell yet unless they know where they stand before they go off
half-cocked.
4th position:
Sam Hodley stated that it was much ado about nothing, and not for a minute did he
believe a wild tale about British army marching up from Boston.
5. What argument does Moses Cooper use against the Reverend? Does it work?
Moses Cooper argued that there is one certainty in this issue. It is their duty and
oath in the holy name of freedom. He said that the committee is not nurtured to
abandon it at the moment it faces war nor drilled a militia just to hide from the first
glimpse of redcoats. He said that justice and right are on their side. Moses defended
that they should not fear them and their course remains just the cause.
His argument worked because he was able to convince the Reveren to allow them to
ring the bell and muster the militia.
6. What is Adam’s reaction to his father’s heroic speech?
Adam was so proud of his father that he felt like jumping and cheering. His skin
prickled and his hair stood on end just listening. He whooped with the crowd and
proud as a punch.
7. Why does Adam pray before going to sign the “muster book”? What is he afraid of?
Adam prayed for his father not to look at him as nothing but a chicken thief caught
in the act and tell him that he is no account and not to fit to stand in with the men in
front of the crowd as he sign for the muster.
8. When standing before his father what is it that Adam notices about him for the
first time?
Adam noticed how strikingly handsome his father is and noticed the thawed
strength of his massive brown arms and realized why men listened to him and
heeded his words
9. What does it signify when Adam’s father allows him to sign the muster book?
It signifies that he agreed and accepted him to be a part of the men who will fight
against the British Army. It signifies respect of his decision and bravery.
10. What is Mrs. Cooper’s reaction to the events of the evening? How does she feel
about Adam’s signing the muster book?
Mrs. Cooper was against with the decision of Moses in allowing their son to sign the
muster book. She argued that he is young and wanted Adam out of it. She was
devastated and crying so hard for the fear she felt for Adam.
April Morning .4
Vocabulary:

Catarrh
The sound that’s made before expectorating.

Adversity
Difficulties; misfortune

Predilection
A preference or special liking for something…

Victuals
Food or provisions, typically as prepared for consumption.

Score
The number of points.

Disdain
The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or
respect.

Guffawed
A loud and boisterous laugh.

Semblance
The outward appearance or apparent form of something.

Contempt
The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or
deserving scorn.

Mollified
Appease the anger or anxiety of someone.

Disparity
a great difference

Dictate
Lay down authoritatively.

Belligerence
Aggressive or warlike behavior.

Ardor

Enthusiasm or passion.
Indignation
Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

Pall
A cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb.

Dissipating
Disperse or scatter.

Cantered
A three-beat gait of a horse or other quadruped between a trot and a gallop.

Convulsively
Producing or consisting of convulsions.
Discussion Questions and Activities:
1. What change does Adam observe that he has come over the town? Describe. Why
are the men telling funny stories while standing around?
Adam noticed that the village was quiet. He can only hear single voices. The men
joke and tell stories to keep their minds off the waiting, to stop from thinking about
what could happen.
2. What is the disagreement between Moses Cooper and Simon Casper?
Casper tells the men to cock their guns in readiness but Moses Cooper insisted that
the men not cock their guns for fear of an accident. He said that they are here to
prevent the war, not to start a war.
3. Who is chosen to speak for the town? Why is he Chosen?
The Reverend was chosen as a spokesperson because he was unarmed. People also
listen to him.
4. Why are the British so hated in Boston?
The British were so hated because of the atrocities they committed in Boston.
5. Describe the feeling Adam has when the British finally arrive. What descriptive
words does he use?
When Adam saw the British, He felt fear. He felt it prickle on his spine and felt it like
a weight in my belly and felt like a sickness around his heart and it’s accompanied
by the steady, increasing roll of the redcoat drums.
6. What attitude do the British officers display when they come into town? What
tone does Major Pitcarin use when addressing the people of the town?
The British officers were confidant and were smiling and grinning with a sneer.
Major Pitcarin was screaming with motion, excitement and demeaning tone. He was
ordering the revolutionists to, "Lay down your arms, you lousy bastards! Disperse,
do you hear me! Disperse you lousy peasant scum! Clear the way, do you hear me!
Get out the king's green."Mr. Pitcarin was harsh and cold.
7. Who is the first townsperson shot? Why do the townspeople break and run? Are
they Cowards?
The first townperson shot was Moses Cooper. The townspeople break and run
because the whole British front burst into a roar of sound.flame and smoke and the
whole world crashed on them. They are not cowards, they were just protecting
themselves and taken aback by the force of the british army. They are not also
experienced in the war.
8. What is Adam’s Attitude now towards the people of his own town? Do you agree
that they are “stupid people”? Why don’t the townspeople fire a single shot back
after the British open fire?
Adam thought that the people of the town made a mistake. He thought that they
were stupid, narrow and provincial people. Adam analyzed too that they are
civilized people who have not really liked and believed in using guns and killing that
explain the core reasons why they ran and didn’t even fire a single shot after the
British open fire. He also thought that they were also not really ready for war but
only to win their argument and talk the British out from their intention. I think they
are not stupid. They were not just experienced in the battle and worse their leader
Moses was shot first that could have caused the lost of their moral, focus and
direction.
9. Why does Adam hide in the smokehouse? Is that honorable? What other choices
does he have?
Adam hid in the smokehouse because a soldier saw him and was running after him.
He was there to save himself from being killed. He can go back home but he tried
not to do it because it will not be safe for his family and he might also be seen since
the redcoats are everywhere. Its not that its not honorable, but he had no option
that time but to hide and collect himself first with the thought of what happened and
the death of his father. He just did what was necessary for survival that time.
10. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the town militia
and the read coat army using a T-chart.
Redcoat (British) Army
Proper trained troops
Proper military rifles
All wearing read coats
Fights in a row
Only adults
Good medical treatment
Tones of troops
Town Militia
Town civilians, settlers.
Hunting rifles, etc.
Random clothing
Guerilla warfare
All age
Poor medical treatment
Shortage of people
Prediction:
How will Adam assume leadership in his family? Do you think he is a coward? What
will Levi think of him?
Adam promised himself that he would take care of Levi as if he is his father. Adam is
not a coward. He didn't go back home and he even told Levi to tell their family not to
worry about him. Levi will think of him as a brave and a courageous person for
being by himself in the smoke house and this battle. Levi will think of him now as
the source of strength of the family.
April Morning .5
Discussion Questions and Activities
1. What attitude do the British soldier have toward the “Yankees”?
The British soldiers do not trust the Yankees. They see them as tricky devils, not
trustworthy and sly as women.
2. What three things prevent the British soldier from being able to catch Adam as he
is running away?
The British soldier wasn’t able to catch Adam when he was running away because
the gun has misfired. Adam was also at his advantage when he reached the
meadows for he ran so fast and had won many foot races. The soldiers were also
slowed down and burden by their heavy uniforms.
3. How would you describe the Solomon Chandler’s philosophy of life?
Chandler has a very positive philosophy in life. He thinks that life has a special
quality of asserting itself and its important to learn from the life's lessons. Chandler
also is very opening minded and not judgmental as he defended the farmers from
not being cowards from running from the battle. He sees that the farmers’ don’t
have the state of mind of killing for they are decent folks. He is very experienced in
life that his philosophy in life is very positive and inspiring.
4. How does Chandler describe the men in the British army?
Chandler described the British Army as stupid and ignorant. They are proud but
they are actually illiterate. Half of them are convicts, cutthroats & footpads serving
out the King's color instead in jail. They are poor, ignorant devils, with a religion as
cloudy and superstitious as their minds. They are poor substitutes for machines that
are told what to do and their life goes out when no one is telling them to do.
5. What word might you use to describe the British officer’s attitude toward
“gillies”?
I use "fool" to describe the officer's attitude toward the "gillies," for the lacks
judgment and prudence. He looked down on the Americans, as he doesn’t see
himself not acting gentleman and proper too.
6. As Adam retells the events of the day to his Cousin Dover what emotion does he
find replacing his earlier emotion of grief?
His emotion in telling his cousin has changed into anger. He told the story shorter,
crisper abs harder. He didn’t cry anymore but he felt cold, bleak and controlled.
7.Why is Adam so glad to see Cousin Simmons?
Adam was so glad to see his cousin Simmons because it comforted him even more
meeting up with his kind, for he had felt the whole village had been killed that
morning, and now he knows he is one of the many survivors.
Prediction:
Based on what you have read, what prediction can you make about what is going to
happen next in the book? What role do you think Adam and band of patriots will
play?
I predict that there is a new and brave Adam. Seeing the other survivals and
realizing the good and noble cause of their doing will boost their morals and
confidence. Adam and his band of patriots will play a very important role and that is
to win over the redcoats and encourage more people to fight for the good cause.
Writing:
Pretend that you are a member of the redcoat army. Write a letter to your family
back in England describing the events of the morning. Use the chart below to
organize your thoughts.
Dear mother and father,
I have fought with the revolutionary gillies here in America this morning. They were
fools to think that they will win over our troop. They were so stupid to fight against
us considering that they were outnumbered by us. They looked so dumb holding the
guns that they have no experience of firing it in their whole life. They didn’t even
able to fire back when we had our first shot. I was laughing in my head, for they
looked like chickens running away from us. It was an easy battle and I killed a few. I
am angry though that after that we need to march back even without sleep. I can’t
wait to go back there and see you all.
Regards,
Tony
April Morning .6
Discussion Question and Activities:
1. As Adam sees more and more people from his town, what conclusion does he
make?
He concluded that there were fewer men who died from the battle that he had
feared. This has inspired him to move on and continue to fight for a good cause.
2. What does Cousin Simmons offer to do for Adam? What promise does Adam make
to Cousin Simmons concerning Ruth?
He offered a bag of food to Adam. And I’m not sure about the promise.
3. What do the British soldiers find when they finally reach Concord? What had the
hoped to find?
The British soldiers failed to find the munitions because they have moved out of
town before they came. There was also a conflict at the Old North Bridge with heavy
casualties for the British.
4. What do you think the Reverend means when he says, “Nobody fights in God’s
cause”?
War is created by humans. God didn’t plan nor created the fights among men. The
only thing that they can do is to trust God and seek help to end and survive the war.
5. Describe the plan of attack, which the men are going to use against the redcoats.
They used the guerrilla attack. They set up ambush and staying in groups of two and
three rather than in clusters. They use their advantage at knowing the vicinity and
their territory.
6. Why does Adam say they “respected” the redcoats?
Adam respected the redcoats for their trade of killing, for he himself felt nauseated
for just holding his gun. Killing or being in war take a lot of courage.
7. What incident occur which Adam calls his “initiation to war and the insane
symphony war plays”?
It was the time when the redcoats were coming after them and were
exchanging gun fires. He realized that what happened to the common earlier
was just fear and flight, while this incident is the definition of reality and what
he has become.
8. What change has taken place in the redcoats since Adam saw them only hours
before? Compare Adam’s feeling after his encounter with the redcoats to his feeling
after the early morning meeting.
The redcoats looked different from a few hours before. They are anxious and
wounded from other ambushes. They marched with bayonets fixed, and as fixed on
their faces was anger, fear and torment.
9. Why do the men decide to separate into small groups of two or three rather than
one large group?
They separated into small groups so that they cannot be readily seen and attacked
one time by the redcoats especially that they are being outnumbered. Being in the
small groups will allow them to cover more territories or places to do their
ambushes of the redcoats.
10. What is it about the young dead redcoat, which so affects Adam?
The young redcoat is of the same age as Adam. He was distress of the sight of the
other militiamen stealing things from the dead body of the redcoat. He felt the need
to respect the dead and sympathetic of the soldier.
11. Why does Adam no longer feel any warmth toward Solomon Chandler?
Adam realized that Solomon Chandler likes the war and killing of the enemies. He
bragged and was proud of killing an officer off his horse. Simmons becomes the
mouthpiece for moderation and decency, yet determination. Simmons chases away
the corpse robbers. Simmons is like him that who didn't like the war and the killing
12. Adam notices that the day, filled with horror, is also filled with instances of
kindness. Name several.
He noticed the kindness showed by the Atkins women who fed them with pie and
gave them water. He saw also acts of kindness, such as Doctor Cody saving the
British soldier, and men carrying wounded neighbors on their backs.
13. Why do you think the men don’t kill the British rider whom they have wounded?
Despite the war, they felt sympathetic to the wounded soldiers. This also showed
their decency in war just like Doctor Cody who even treated the wounded British
army. The men just ordinary decent folks defending their own territory and rights
and did not like the killing.
14. Begin a survival chart showing what the men of the redcoat army need to
survive and how they obtain these necessities. What were the special difficulties the
redcoats would have in finding these necessities?
Food:
The redcoats can get food from hunting animals and shipments, also farms and
resources.
The difficulties they might face is that they might have hunted too much animals,
shipments got damaged or sunk, or drought. And many more
Water:
The redcoats can get water from rivers, well, rain water and shipments (usually
never happens).
The water might be polluted. The shipments might sink. Dirt rain down with the
rain.
Shelter:
The redcoats get portable tents; they use the housing, shelters that the runaway
people had. They also had their own shelters that they build.
They might run out of the materials that they make the tent out of. The housing
might be crappy.
Clothing:
They get their clothing from shipments, mainly and some are made in the factories
in America.
The shipment might sink; they might run out of materials.
Supplies:
They get all their guns from shipments but, ammunitions can be build where ever
they go, if they have the material.
Shipments might sink. Run out of iron and stuff.
Safety:
The redcoats should just stay in a pile…that should be safe.
If they cuddle in a pile, they will get shot from directions.
Friends:
They just make friends on the way of the marching or standby at the camp.
....What if he was the only one left or his friends all died.
April Morning .7
Discussion Questions:
1. Why does Adam want to go home to Lexington?
Adam had enough of war and killing. He was wondering that this war makes no
sense and would rather want to go home.
2. Why do the men decide to go the town and attack the British and drive them out
of the town?
Apparently, they wanted the redcoats out of the town so they can retake the town.
They also wanted to make the redcoats in pressure.
3. What prevents the redcoats from surrendering white flag mean? What does the
patriot think the white flag means?
They didn’t have anyone to surrender to.
4. What three reasons does Adam give for falling asleep during the battle?
Adam was exhausted from the war and his body gave way and fell asleep. The
waiting for the British and long exchange of gunshots made him fall asleep too. His
sleeping is also an unconscious refusal to fight anymore and he succumbed to his
fatigue rather than engage in more violence.
5. Why is Levi so surprised to see Adam? What questions does Levi have about the
war? How do these questions show she is still a boy and has not grown up like
Adam?
Levi was surprised because they thought Adam died in the war. Levi asked him how
many British soldiers he has killed. His questions showed that he is still a boy
because he asked about how many soldiers he killed and disappointed when Adam
said he didn’t know. He was just after the excitement of the idea of war, killing and
winning but not realizing the true consequences and effects of war.
6. What is Mrs. Cooper’s attitude toward the defeat of the redcoats? Who does she
think caused their defeat?
She is happy that they won the battle,
7. What does Cousin Simmons mean when he says, “Moses Cooper was no saint?’
Simmons said that his father was no saint but a patriot and that he died to defend
his home.
8. An epitaph is an inscription on a tombstone in memory of the one buried there.
Write a short verse, which might go on the tombstone of Adam’s father.
“In a loving memory of the Moses Cooper who has selflessly fought the battle and
offered his life for the love and glory of his country and his countrymen.”
April Morning .8
Discussion Questions
1. As Adam walks across the common and remembers his childhood games, what
does he realize?
2. What is the relationship between Adam and his brother Levi now?
3. Why does Mrs. Cooper give Adam candles to take to the meetinghouse?
Because Granny didn’t have any sons left so, to show how sad they were, they gave
him candles to
4. Does Adam believe that he has killed any redcoats?
Well. He doesn’t want to remember himself killing any redcoats. But unfortunately,
the truth is that he did kill quiet a few.
5. What advice does the Reverend give Adam about signing the muster?
6. To what question does Ruth Simmons press Adam for an answer?
7. What prediction does Granny make about Adam’s signing of the muster book?
His Granny had a bad feeling before Adam signing the muster book, but
unfortunately something actually happened
Prediction:
Make your own prediction about Adam. Be prepared to defend your prediction. Will
he fight again?
I predict that Adam will fight again. Firstly, he couldn’t answer right away Ruth if he
is going to leave and fight again; secondly, in his heart there is no going back from
this fight. He has embraced already the responsibility to fight and protect his family
and his country.
If I were alive in the American Revolutionary period, I would have….
If I were alive in the American Revolutionary period, I would have fight the battle
just like Adam and his people to protect the rights and the freedom of the
Americans. I would have also encouraged people to claim their rights and not to be
controlled and oppressed by the redcoats.
How has your life today been influenced by the acts of the early American patriots?
I am influenced in terms of how I value freedom and civil rights. It is important that
I am aware and appreciative of the freedom and rights that I have now in my
generation. It inspired me also that a small voice or small defense can make a
difference just like these patriots that who have won despite their weak defense and
inferiority from the British colony. I value now the people who lost their lives to
defend freedom all through out the history and I should have embrace the value of
patriotism and loyalty to my country and my fellow men.