64 pages 2 hours read

Charles C. Mann

1491

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before Reading

Reading Context

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What common myths, assumptions, or misconceptions might exist about the Americas before Columbus? Why do you think these myths have persisted?

Teaching Suggestion: This question connects to the themes of The Myth of the “Noble Savage” and The Pristine Wilderness Myth. Mann devotes discussion to how these myths were created and the evidence that refutes them, so it may be helpful for students to have a general understanding of these ideas and assumptions before a class study of the book. For a more focused discussion, students might investigate these myths; the provided links offer background. Investigation might also address other myths that students have encountered about the Americas.

Related Titles

By Charles C. Mann

STUDY + TEACHING GUIDE

logo

1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

Charles C. Mann

1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

Charles C. Mann