In the study of this poem it is necessary to learn the geography and
topography of the country. Define “topography.” Tell about Leavenworth
Campaign; Major Henry.
The story of Hugh Glass is historical and may be found in the following
works: Chittenden’s History of the American Fur Trade, New York, 1902;
Sage’s Scenes in the Rocky Mountains, Boston, 1857; Ruxton’s Adventures
in Mexico, London, 1847; Howe’s Historical Collections of the Great
West, Cincinnati, 1857; Cooke’s Scenes and Adventures in the U. S. Army,
Philadelphia, 1857; The Missouri Intelligencer for June 18, 1825.
Accounts of the death of Hugh Glass, in 1832, are given in The Life and
Adventures of James P. Beckwourth, London, 1892, and in Maximilian’s
Travels, London, 1843.
=2.= ‘Twas when the guns that blustered at the Ree
Ree—Aricara or Rickaree Indians. Locate them in 1823.
Where are they now?
=3.= Had ceased to brag, and ten score martial clowns
Why “clowns”? See Introduction.
=6.= A withering blast the arid South still blew,
What is “South”? Why capitalized? Did Homer and Vergil personify
the winds?
=9.= Southward before the Great White Hunter’s face:
Who is the Great White Hunter? What is the time of year?
=13.= With eighty trappers up the dwindling Grand,
Why “dwindling”?
=14.= Bound through the weird, unfriending barren-land
“Unfriending” whom?
=15.= For where the Big Horn meets the Yellowstone;
Locate the junction of the streams.