Themes and Challenges in 'The Underground Railroad'

Coulson Whitehead discusses the inspiration and development of his book, 'The Underground Railroad.' He explores themes of slavery, personal agency, and historical context, while also addressing contemporary issues like racial relations and the American Dream. Whitehead emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself in writing and the ongoing journey of self-discovery through literature.

What inspired Colson Whitehead to write 'The Underground Railroad'?

• A childhood memory

• A conversation with a friend

• A reference on TV

• A historical documentary

How does Whitehead structure the narrative of 'The Underground Railroad'?

• Through multiple narrators

• As a series of flashbacks

• As a linear journey

• Using a 'Gulliver's Travels' type framework

What was one of the challenges Whitehead faced while writing the book?

• Writing from a female perspective

• Choosing the right publisher

• Deciding on the book's length

• Finding historical accuracy

What unique horror do women face under slavery according to Whitehead?

• Lack of food

• Forced to make more slaves

• Separation from family

• Inability to read

What does Cora inherit from her grandmother?

• A diary

• A garden

• A piece of jewelry

• A book

What does Cora gain as she moves further from the plantation?

• More wealth

• More agency

• More knowledge

• More friends

How does Whitehead describe the behavior of slaves on the plantation?

• Indifferent to each other

• All are supportive

• All are hostile

• Varied behaviors

What is the consequence of harboring a slave in the white supremacist state?

• Imprisonment

• Fines

• Social ostracism

• Punishment

What broader theme does Whitehead explore by making the railroad literal?

• Assimilation and the American dream

• Technological advancement

• Historical accuracy

• Cultural diversity

Which memoirs did Whitehead use for his research?

• Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois

• Harriet Tubman and John Brown

• Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs

• Sojourner Truth and Nat Turner