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SIMON GIRTY

History is at once a tale of intrigue and bloodshed.

Review Questions

Vocabulary: guerilla, pursuit, allegiance, pledge, dedicate, provocateurs, vermilion, insatiable, relentless, partisans, vendetta, punitive, foray, propaganda, embolden, vulnerable, confront, fray, discreet, castigate, ravenous, jeopardy.

1. Explain: (a) the heyday of heroics was over; (b) he remained at a respectful distance; (c) caught up in the contest for a continent; (d) a tale of intrigue and bloodshed; (e) his favourite public house; (f) spine-tingling career; (g) fearless partisans or reprehensible renegades; (h) rabid critics; (i) Native satellite state; (j) focussed their fury.

2.(a)Why did Girty's influence with the Aborigines end? (b) Given Girty's close association with the Aboriginal warriors, how do you think he felt remaining "at a respectful distance from the fighting"?

3. Could anything have stopped the surge of settlers into the western lands? Explain your answer.

4. Simcoe wanted to create a Native satellite state between Upper Canada and the United States. What is a satellite state and why did Simcoe want to create one?

6. Why do you think vermilion was so vitally important to Native warriors?

7. (a) What is a birthright? (b) What was the Aboriginals' most valuable birthright?

8. "Take up the hatchet" is a figure of speech. Name and explain it.

9.(a) What is the difference between fame and infamy? (b) Who decides which is which?

10. History's realities are seldom dull. With reference to realities mentioned in this narrative, assess the truth of this statement.

11. The Aboriginal name for American soldiers was 'Long Knives' a reference to their swords. Natives welcomed the opportunity using hit and hide raids to avenge old vendettas against these soldiers. What do you think the old vendettas were?

12. Why did the Americans call Girty the 'old renegade'?

13. "Like mist in an autumn morning, the real history of these furtive figures has vanished with the wind." (a) Identify the figure of speech used here and explain it. (b) What would be the 'real' history of these men? (c) Why do you think it has vanished?

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