Learning to Read and Its Challenges

The poem 'Learning to Read' by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper highlights the struggles and determination of African Americans to gain literacy during and after slavery. Despite resistance from slave owners, individuals like Uncle Caldwell and Mr. Turner’s Ben found creative ways to learn. Northern teachers supported their efforts, and the narrator, Chloe, pursued literacy to read the Bible, achieving independence and self-worth.

Who is the author of the poem 'Learning to Read'?

• Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

• Maya Angelou

• Langston Hughes

• Emily Dickinson

What was the reaction of the Rebs to the Yankee teachers setting up schools?

• They welcomed them warmly

• They were indifferent

• They hated it

• They supported it

Why did the masters try to hide book learning from the slaves?

• They thought it was unnecessary

• They believed it would make slaves too wise

• They wanted to teach them themselves

• They were too busy to care

How did Uncle Caldwell hide his book?

• In a tree

• In his hat

• In a drawer

• Under his bed

What did Mr. Turner’s Ben do to learn to read?

• He attended night school

• He read newspapers

• He hired a tutor

• He listened to children spell

What did the Northern folks do to help the slaves?

• They sent books

• They sent food

• They sent money

• They sent teachers

What was the narrator's main reason for wanting to learn to read?

• To read novels

• To write letters

• To get a job

• To read the Bible

What did people say to discourage the narrator from learning to read?

• It's unnecessary

• It's too late

• It's too difficult

• It's too expensive

What tool did the narrator use to help her read?

• A reading lamp

• A pair of glasses

• A dictionary

• A magnifying glass

What did the narrator achieve after learning to read?

• She wrote a book

• She taught others

• She traveled the world

• She felt independent