Q9 - Reflection

Return to the other six questions. Reread them and comment on AT LEAST 2 of them, giving your final words of wisdom to the topic. Be clear, insightful and detailed. Do not just ramble or blather.

Q8 – Picture Analysis

Look at the picture on the right and explain why it was chosen to represent the musical. Is it appropriate?

Q7 – Hypocrisy

How could such deeply committed and well-educated men, schooled in John Locke and British Common Law, defend slavery? Create a logical, clear, concise, well thought-out argument DEFENDING the removal of reference to the American slaves from the Declaration of Independence. DO NOT CHALLENGE OTHERS!

Bonus - Lyric Analysis

Look carefully at the lyrics of this song. Why choose this song for what is basically a political musical? Draw connections to deeper meanings.

Courier:
Momma, hey momma, come lookin' for me
I'm here in the meadow by the red maple tree
Momma, hey momma, look sharp, here I be
Hey, hey, momma look sharp

Them soldiers, they fired.
Oh ma, did we run
But then we turned round and the battle begun
Then I went under, oh ma, am I done?
Hey, hey, momma look sharp

My eyes are wide open, my face to the sky
Is that you I'm hearin' in the tall grass nearby?
Momma come find me before I do die
Hey, hey, momma look sharp

All:
I'll close your eyes, my Billy
Them eyes that cannot see
And I'll bury you, my Billy
Beneath the maple tree

Courier:
And never again will you whisper to me
Hey, hey, momma look sharp

Q6 - Teaching Tool

Critique the musical to this point (using specific examples) as a teaching tool for such concepts as “rights as Englishmen”, “tyranny”, or even simply colonial fashion, custom or social mores. Support your answers with examples! REPLY to others!

Q5 - Chance

Given the same issue as Q4, develop an argument which is critical of this “numbers game”. DO NOT REPLY TO OTHERS

Q4 - Fate

Several times the question of American independence sways back and forth based on physical representation of the figures in the room and not the issue itself. One majority tries to out maneuver the other and is soon thwarted as the numbers fluctuate. Develop a logical argument which JUSTIFIES this political phenomenon. DO NOT REPLY TO OTHERS.

Q3 - Humility

In the musical, John Adams is forced to allow others to step forward into the spotlight in several places so that his ultimate goal of "Independence" can be furthered. Give a modern example of why it might it be important to separate "men" from "issues" in todays society. Comment on at least one other perception!

Q2 - Importance

Should personalities of individuals be considered when analyzing critical issues? Should charisma, popularity, formal education or motive of the individual matter when examining an issue as important as Independence? Use examples to support your answer and challenge others!

Q1 - Overview: Personalities

Explain, with evidence, how the personalities of major figures played a pivotal role in early discussion of the concept of "Independence".