Underground to Canada

Student Questions

Chapter Questions:
In answering these questions be sure to answer accurately, thoroughly,
neatly and in complete sentences.
Chapter 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Who is making the night music that drones through the plantation?
Why does Massa (Master) Jeb Henson not like the slaves singing?
Describe the setting at the opening of the novel.
Describe June Lilly.
Who is Missy Henson and what does she tell Old John, the coachman?
Missy Henson does not directly tell Old John her and Jebs plans, but he figures
them out. What are the Hensons planning to do the next day?
7. How do the slaves on the Henson plantation feel about the news of a slave trader
coming to their area? Why do they feel that way?
8. Why does Julilly's mother speak of Canada?
Chapter 2
1. What does Mama tell June Lilly to do if she is sold?
2. Describe how the man rounded up the slaves that morning.
3. Why does the author describe him in such an unpleasant fashion?
4. Why was Julilly so frightened?
Chapter 3
1.
2.
3.
4.

How did the tall white man offer to help the slaves?
What were the "sheets of falling water"?
What is an abolitionist?
Why did the fat man become so angry?

Chapter 4
1.
2.
3.
4.

Why were Adam's ankles torn?

How do we know the fat man is completely insensitive to the needs of the slaves?
How did Julilly help the men in the cypress swamp?
Imagine you are chained to the wagon and being forced to walk for days and days.
Describe how you would feel.

Underground to Canada
Student Questions
Chapter 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How does the fat man know that they are probably back in Mississippi?
What is the fat mans name?
Besides being a slave trader, what other job does he have?
Why is Julilly shocked when she finds out about Sims other job?
Why didnt Julilly look for her mother at the new plantation?

Chapter 6
1.
2.
3.
4.

What happened to Liza when she tried to run away?

What is a "cat-o'-nine-tails?
Why does Liza consider Julilly a friend?
What are the two girls talking about just before they fall asleep?

Chapter 7
1.
2.
3.
4.

What happened to the old people if "they didn't meet the measure"?
Who is the new visitor and why is he there?
What evidence is there that he is concerned about the slaves?
According to Julilly, what feels like the sting of a hundred bees?

Chapter 8
1. Why did Julilly place extra cotton bolls into Liza's sack?
2. Why did all the slave girls "whisper" about Canada that night?
3. What secret does Liza reveal to Julilly at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 9
1. Describe how the Henson Plantation was different from where Julilly is presently
living.
2. What does Lester reveal to Julilly about Massa Ross?
3. What is the signal that Julilly is to listen for that evening?
4. Why is Adam surprised that Mr. Ross doesn't own slaves?
Chapter 10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Why did Liza and Julilly no longer talk at night in their cabin?
Why were the slaves disappointed when it didn't rain?
Why were Julilly and Liza happy that it didn't rain?
Who cut the girls' hair and why?
What sound frightened the girls?

Underground to Canada
Student Questions
Chapter 11
1.
2.
3.
4.

Why did they wade through the swamps when they saw men on horseback?
Why was Liza surprised when Lester told her that he could read?
What comment does Julilly make about the password?
Whom did they think had ridden by in the moonlight?

Chapter 12
1. How did the passengers know their cart had entered a narrow lane?
2. What was the round glass object with the black needle?
3. How had Julilly and Liza changed physically since they had left
the Riley Plantation?
4. What misfortune befell Lester and Adam at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 13
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How were they able to see the compass at night?

Why did they travel more at night and sleep during the day?
Describe what happened when Julilly asked the white woman for food.
Describe their welcome at the next house.
What did Julilly notice when she scrubbed Liza's back?

Chapter 14
1.
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5.
6.

What terrified the girls as they made their way through the mountain paths?
Why did Julilly and Liza decide that it would be better to travel during daylight?
What valuable information does the old man give to Julilly?
Why do you think the old man's back was bent?
What news did the two girls receive about Lester and Adam?
Define the following terms used by the underground railway:
a. station:
b. freight:
c. dry goods:
d. hardware:
e. tracks:

Chapter 15
1.
2.
3.
4.

Who woke Jeb?

What instructions did Ella give to the girls?
Why did the Ohio River hold "mystery and terror" for Julilly and Liza?
To whose home were the girls going?

Underground to Canada
Student Questions
Chapter 16
1.
2.
3.
4.

Describe Levi Coffin.

Why did Sheriff Donnelly end up at the Coffin home?
Why does Levi inform his wife that it is best if the girls leave right away?
Why does Liza think that Lester and Adam might think the girls are Queen
Victoria herself?

Chapter 17
1.
2.
3.
4.

Describe the girls' journey on the train.

Who met the girls at the train station?
Why did the man caution Liza to drink slowly?
What news did the girls receive about Lester and Adam?

Chapter 18
1.
2.
3.
4.

How do we know that the girls are determined not to become slaves again?
Who were the two men that the captain shoved onto the plank?
How does looking at the North Star make Julilly feel closer to her mother?
How does Liza react when she arrives in Canada?

Chapter 19
1. Who is Ezra Wilson?
2. Even though they were free when they got to Canada, it didnt really sink in at
first? What actions of the girls show that they are more accustomed to being
runaway slaves than to being free?
3. Who worked at the Welland House Hotel in St. Catharines?
4. Who was Julilly surprised to see in the kitchen?
5. What was Mammy Sally wearing on her head when she was reunited with Julilly?
Is there any significance in this?
6. Did the white people of St. Catharines welcome the blacks into their community?