The Slave Dancer | Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. What is Jessie trying to think of as he walks home at the beginning of the book?

As Jessie is walking home at the beginning of the book, he is trying to think of a story to hide his tardiness from his mother, because he spent an hour at the slave market even though she has forbidden him from going there.

2. What does Jessie's mother do for a living and how does Jessie feel about this?

Jessie's mother is a seamstress. She makes beautiful dresses for the rich women in the neighborhood. Jessie wishes she didn't have to work so hard, and finds it strange that something as small as a needle supports his family.

3. What errand does Jessie's mother send him on when he gets home at the beginning of the book?

When Jessie gets home at the beginning...
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