Underground to Canada Essay 1

 Essay 1

Slavery is a very cruel act, and should never be allowed anywhere in the world.

Justify this statement by using three examples from the novel, Underground to Canada.

 

In the wise words of Levin Coffin, “At all times, I obey the commands of the Bible and the dictates of humanity in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked and aiding the oppressed. And the good book mentions no distinction of colour in the doing of these deeds.” (Chapter 16, Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker, Penguin Group, 1977, pp. 124). At that time, many people, such as the Abolitionists and the Mennonites, helped the slaves to escape to Canada because they knew slavery was unjust and cruel.

 

In the past 200 years, when slavery was legal in the United States, black slaves were treated like animals, when they were bought and sold. Early in the story, a young slave mother Lily Brown’s 2-year-old son was snatched from her since Sims thought he was going to grow quickly to work in the cotton field. (Chapter 2, Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker, Penguin Group, 1977, pp. 11). No child should be removed from the parents especially when Willie was only 2 years old. Sims simply did not care about other’s feeling and he did the unthinkable by ripping the baby from his mother. This proved that slavery was inhumane and cruel to the black slaves during that time.

- check chapter 7 when Julilly was whipped by Sims

 

 

Essay 2

During that time, many slaves tried to escape to Canada to gain their freedom. Many were captured or died during their escape, and a few managed to come to Canada successfully.

Justify why it took courage and determination to fight against all odds to gain their freedom. Use three examples from Underground to Canada to prove your points.

 

In the wise words of Alexander Ross, “It takes a lot of courage and determination and a good deal of wit. . . to escape to Canada.” (Chapter 9, Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker, Penguin Group, 1977, pp. 59)