1. Why does Thomas Jefferson give Harriet a diary and ask her to record the events of nature? What does this tell us about his own interests? Are there any other details that Harriet describes about his study which show him as a man of many talents? What are some of his accomplishments and inventions?

2. Harriet's mama has very passionate feelings about freedom. Harriet calls them a sickness. Why? If she feels so strongly about it, why does she not leave Monticello? Could she do so if she wanted? Did she ever have a chance to be free? If so, why did she not take it?

3. What is the relationship between Thruston and Harriet? Does she love him and would she marry him? If not, why not? How does she feel about some of the other black field slaves?

She says, for instance, that her...