Harriet Tubman's Early Life and Challenges

In 1826, six-year-old Harriet was hired out to Mrs. Cook, a weaver, by her master. Harriet struggled with the work and living conditions, eventually falling ill. After recovering at home, she was sent back to the Cooks but was deemed unteachable and returned to the plantation. The narrative also touches on the growing dream of freedom among slaves during this period.

What task was Harriet assigned at the age of six on the plantation?

• Picking cotton

• Carrying water to fieldhands

• Cooking meals

• Cleaning the big house

Why did Mrs. Cook hire Harriet?

• To help with weaving

• To cook meals

• To work in the fields

• To take care of children

What did Harriet find comforting by the river?

• The sound of the loom

• The quiet and natural surroundings

• The company of other workers

• The warmth of the sun

What illness did Harriet suffer from due to the cold river water?

• Chickenpox

• Measles

• Bronchitis

• Flu

How did Harriet's mother help her recover from her illness?

• By giving her herbal remedies

• By keeping her warm by the fire

• By taking her to a doctor

• By feeding her nutritious meals

What did Harriet's experience with the muskrats symbolize for her?

• Her fear of water

• Her desire to learn

• Her feeling of entrapment

• Her love for nature

What decision did Harriet make about learning to weave?

• She decided to become an expert weaver

• She refused to learn weaving

• She wanted to learn but was too sick

• She was eager to learn weaving

What was the broader context of the early 19th century mentioned in the narrative?

• The industrial revolution

• The spread of the dream of freedom among slaves

• The rise of the cotton industry

• The expansion of the railroad

What was the Canadian government's response to the American request regarding fugitive slaves?

• They agreed to return the slaves

• They refused to acknowledge the request

• They ignored the request

• They acknowledged the request but took no action

What was the main reason Mrs. Cook sent Harriet back to the Brodus plantation?

• Harriet was too slow

• Harriet was too sick

• Harriet was unteachable

• Harriet was too young