A Gathering of Days Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 7 Summary

Chapter 7 Summary

Catherine becomes ill with chills and fever, so she misses some school. Cassie visits her daily, so Catherine works on penmanship and spelling. Matty turns 8 during this chapter. The birthday stirs up many memories for Catherine as she wishes her mother were here to be with them for Matty's birthday. Catherine writes about the birth of her younger brother, Nathaniel, and the misfortune that surrounds his birth.

After returning to school, Teacher Holt has brought in the newspaper founded by his friend, Mr. Garrison. In the newspaper that addresses the issue of slavery, Teacher Holt attempts to teach the children "moral education" as well as the expected "reading, writing, and cyphering." Soon, the townspeople are in an uproar about this controversial teaching and accuse Teacher Holt of assisting the runaway. Catherine and her friends fear clearing Teacher Holt's name because of what the consequences to themselves might be. Uncle...
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