1.Why does Abigail agree to her son's departure?

2. Abigail values great learning and great ability, but what is much more important to her?

3. Although JQA is in Paris, Abigail claims that he is an eyewitness to what in his native land? What does she mean by that phrase?

4. According to Abigail, what is precious?

5. If something is worth doing, what is the logical conclusion about how it should be approached, according to Abigail?

Questions for Drawing Historical Connections:

6. Abigail writes that the American people have made a glorious defense of their liberties. To what liberties does she refer? Was she correct in her prediction that these liberties would be handed down to those "yet unborn"?

Questions for Thought, Discussion, and Writing:

7. Abigail claims that the most useful quality in youth is "diffidence," that is, acting in a modest or reserved manner. Her comment recalls the old adage "children should be seen and not heard." Why was diffidence considered important to a child's development? Is diffidence still thought to be so today? Explain why or why not.

8. What does Abigail mean by "temptations and vice of every kind." How does she advise her son to deal with these threats? Is that advice still valid today?

9. Why does Abigail claim that "These are times in which a Genious would wish to live"? Are similar conditions present today? Explain.