To My Old Master by Jourdon Anderson

The tone of the selection can best be described as —

• angry, because the author refers to injustices he suffered when he was living as a 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.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.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.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read these sentences from paragraph 3.

At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing, and three doctor’s visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams’s Express, in care of V. Winters, Esq., Dayton, Ohio.

The businesslike language in these sentences emphasizes that the author had

• made new friends who were helping him

• significantly improved his position in life

• deeply felt the injustice of working as a slave

• expected to receive the monies owed to him

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read this excerpt from paragraph 3.

As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were disposed to treat us justly and kindly; and we have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores, and rely on your justice and friendship in the future.

• To indicate that he finds Anderson’s proposal ridiculous

• To show that he still may forgive Anderson’s past actions

• To give Anderson a way to back out of his proposal

• To inform Anderson he is serious about asking for restitution

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Anderson wrote this letter most likely to —

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

• show Colonel Anderson that his offer is unworthy of consideration

• help Colonel Anderson understand why the practice of slavery is immoral

• explain to Colonel 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