1. Why would Louis be afraid of being sold?

2. Why would Louis's owner want to keep him illiterate and ignorant of the world ?

3. Why would the marshal lie to Louis?

4. Why would the grocers be willing to hire an escaped slave?

5. Louis becomes more knowledgeable and self-confident as the story progresses. What is the most important step in his development?

6. What aspects of freedom does Louis most cherish?

7. Why are the Millers, both escaped slaves, living just across the river from a slave state?

8. The Underground Railroad seems to be a large social network involving not only people who help escaped slaves evade pursuit but others like the grocers who offer the escaped slaves employment. Why is this broad social network important?

9. Could Louis have escaped without the help of others? Does his accepting help from others mean that he is a weak person?

10. What...