To My Old Master by Jourdon Anderson

The tone of the selection can be best described as

• angry, because the author refers to the injustices he suffered when he was living as as slave

• fearful, because the author is afraid that his former master will come after him

• ironic, because there is a difference between what the author asks for and what he expects

• tolerant because the author uses language that shows he is willing to forgive Anderson

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The author wrote his letter most likely to

• attempt to get a payment from Anderson for his years as a slave

• show Anderson that his offer is unworthy of consideration

• help Anderson understand why the practice of slavery is immoral

• explain to Anderson why he is unable to accept his job offer

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs which you and your fathers have done to me and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without recompense.

In this sentence, the phrase opened your eyes means

• shown you firsthand

• surprised you greatly

• made you understand

• helped you remember

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

In paragraph 3, why does the author choose to the word defraud to describe the actions of Anderson?

• to suggest that Anderson is a criminal

• to imply that Anderson lied to him

• to point out Anderson's misunderstanding of the law

• to predict what Anderson's fate will likely be

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

Which two statements did the author intend to be taken sarcastically?

• I.. was glad... that you wanted me to come back and live with you again, promising to do better for me...

• If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future.

• I would rather stay here and starve--and die, if it comes to that--than have my girls brought to shame...

• Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3