27 pages 54 minutes read

William Jennings Bryan, Robert W. Cherny

Cross of Gold

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1896

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Essay Topics

1.

Despite the popularity of Bryan’s speech and populist-leaning campaign, McKinley won the presidential election. Research and explain the factors that led to his victory.

2.

Throughout his speech, Bryan makes many references to religious imagery, including the “cross of gold” (206) for which the speech was named. How does this imagery contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the speech?

3.

How might Bryan’s views regarding bimetallism affect the way he chose to campaign?