Comprehension Questions

1. Where was Acadia?
2. Give two reasons why the English forced the Acadians to leave.
3. Why did the Acadians have to leave France after the war?
4. Why did they come to Cape Breton Island?

Did You Know?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made the Expulsion famous with a long poem he wrote called Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie. He wrote the poem in 1847. The poem tells the moving story of Evangeline and her fiancé, Gabriel. They become separated when they are deported from Grand Pré, Nova Scotia. After years of suffering they meet again in old age, just before Gabriel dies.

Following are some lines from the poem that describe the peaceful Acadian life:

Columns of pale blue smoke, like clouds of incense ascending,
Rose from a hundred hearths, the homes of peace and contentment.
Thus dwelt together in love these simple Acadian farmers—
Dwelt in the love of God and of man. Alike were they free from
Fear, that reigns with the tyrant, and envy, the vice of republics.
Neither locks had they to their doors, nor bars to their windows;
But their dwellings were open as day and the hearts of the owners;
There the richest was poor, and the poorest lived in abundance.