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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sentimental item did Harriet take with her when she fled North alone in Chapter 10: “A Glory Over Everything”?

2. What was the name of the slave trader that Harriet and her brothers were sold to in Chapter 7: “Shuck this Corn”?

3. What year was it when Harriet Tubman reached Pennsylvania?

4. What was the name of the builder that Harriet and her father were hired out to in Chapter 8: “Minta Becomes Harriet”?

5. Harriet discovered that Old Rit had originally been willed to a young woman on the condition that she be freed at what age in Chapter 9: “The Patchwork Quilt”?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where did Harriet Tubman work in Pennsylvania after her escape from slavery in Chapter 11: “Stranger in a Strange Land”? Who did she meet there?

2. How did the Fugitive Slave Law affect Harriet in her plight to rescue slaves, according to the author in Chapter 11: “Stranger in a Strange Land”?

3. What important skills did Old Ben teach Harriet in Chapter 8: “Minta Becomes Harriet”?

4. By what name was Harriet Tubman called as a child? Who cared for Harriet in her first years, as described by the author in Chapter 2: “The First Years”?

5. Who was Denmark Vesey? What event related to Denmark Vesey occurred when Harriet Tubman was two years old?

6. Who was Edward Brodas? What promise had he made to Harriet Tubman’s parents? What concerned Old Rit about her children in Chapter 2: “The First Years”?

7. What does the author describe in the historic note at the end of Chapter 3: “Six Years Old”?

8. How does the author describe the Christmas season in Chapter 3: “Six Years Old”? What were Harriet’s thoughts on this holiday?

9. How did Harriet become injured in Chapter 7: “Shuck this Corn”? How badly was she injured?

10. Where did Harriet go when she ran away in Chapter 5: “Flight”? How long was she gone and why did she return?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Narrative Structure

a. Discuss the narrative structure of Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad. Is the narrative told in first, second, or third person? In present or past tense? Why do you think the author chose this narrative style?

b. How authentic do you think Petry’s biography is to the truth of Harriet Tubman’s actions, objectives, and character? Upon what information and facts did Ann Petry base her story? How much conjecture do you think is included in the book?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of slavery in the United States. When did the slave trade begin in the Americas? Where were slaves brought from in Africa? When did the concept of abolition arise and who were the main forefathers of this cause? What states had abolished slavery by the time Harriet Ross was born in 1820? Which states had not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Benjamin Ross’s position within the slave community at Brodas plantation. Why was Ben respected by the other slaves? How was he regarded by the master? How did Ben’s position change as he grew older?

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