A Negro Explorer at the North Pole

According to R.E. Peary, Matthew Henson is only another one of the multiplying illustrations of what?

• a colored man being an effective member of a serious Arctic expedition

• the fact that he knows only some of his friends of Arctic exploration and discovery by letter

• unlocking the door, which held the mystery of the Arctic, and planting the American flag there

• the fact that race, or color, or bringing-up, or environment counts nothing against a determined heart, if it is backed and aided by intelligence

In chapter 15, what does Matthew Henson describe the sequence of?

• He describes the sequence of events that lead to him and his team reaching the North Pole.

• He describes the sequence of events before Captain Bartlett and his two boys started on his return journey.

• He describes the sequence of events that took place after he returned to America from the North Pole.

• He describes the sequence of Peary's expeditions, which he has been a part of.

What evidence from the text supports the conclusion that Matthew Henson was extremely determined to reach the North Pole?

• "...and the sledge he safeguarded was of much more importance, for it held, as part of its load, the Commander's sextant, the mercury, and the coils of pianowire that were the essential portion..."

• "...Commander Peary had had the best of the going, for he had brought up the rear and had utilized the trail made by the preceding parties, and thus he had kept himself in the best of condition..."

• "Day and night were the same. My thoughts were on the going and getting forward, and on nothing else."

• "The cowardice of their fellow Esquimos at the 'Big Lead' on this journey did not in the least demoralize them..."

Based on the evidence in the text, how can the relationship between Commander Peary and Henson best be described?

• disloyal and unfaithful

• fearful and distrusting

• distant and cold

• respectful and supportive

What is the main idea of this text?

• Commander Peary reached the North Pole with his team in April 1909 and planted the American flag.

• An Esquimo named Ootah saved Henson's life after he slipped and fell into the water.

• Henson, an African American man, was a key member of a serious Arctic expedition.

• Henson has great affection for the Esquimo members of his team.

Read these sentences from the text:

"Esquimos at the 'Big Lead' on this journey did not in the least demoralize them, and when they were absolutely alone on the trail, with every chance to turn back and return to comfort, wife, and family, they remained steadfast and true, and ever northward guided their sledges."

Based on this evidence, what is the meaning of the word "steadfast" in this excerpt?

• dishonest and disloyal

• reliable and loyal

• weak and unreliable

• creative and flexible

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

__________ the memory of the last expeditions is a memory of toil, fatigue, and exhaustion, Henson states they were urged on this expedition and encouraged by their relentless commander.

• Although

• However

• Therefore

• Instead

How did Henson feel when the American flag was planted at the North Pole?

• Henson felt great nausea and was glad to be done with the exploration.

• Henson felt a savage joy and exultation. He felt that he had been chosen by fate to represent his race in this world accomplishment

• Henson felt much grief and could not understand why he was surrounded by snow.

• Henson felt very proud to be a representative of the European race and would be remembered in Germany forever.

Select at least one contribution that Matthew Henson made during his team's expedition to the North Pole:

• He managed the Eskimo members of the team.

• He killed three (3) wolves while on his exploration.

• He saved Ootah's life.

• He was the first European to reach the North Pole in December.