Explore the political atmosphere in the American colonies during the early 1700s. When did colonists begin to openly discuss and write about pursuing independence? How frequent were minor rebellions similar to the one against Major Molineux?

Locate one or two descriptions of medieval religious pageants. How does the procession in the story compare to these pageants? What is the importance of this similarity?

Investigate the techniques and materials involved in tarring and feathering. Is this punishment physically damaging or mainly humiliating? Where and when has it been practiced?

Compile a list of stories featuring a young man from the countryside who ventures into the city on a quest. How does this story compare and contrast with the others? In how many of these stories does the young man achieve his goal?