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Chapter Eight: Hard Swearing

Pre-Reading Discussion:

Mercer fears the outcome of the trial for Williamson, Still, and the five porters. A United States Marshall sent by the district attorney is waiting inside the courtroom armed with a warrant for her arrest and a dozen men stand by to execute it.

• What is the worst case scenario that could take place?
• What do you feel is Passmore Williamson’s fate?
• Will he be released from prison? Why or why not?

Vocabulary:

• What is the worst case scenario that could take place?
• What do you feel is Passmore Williamson’s fate?
• Will he be released from prison? Why or why not?
  

Read:

Chapter Eight

Post-Reading Discussion:

Review the setting and tone in the courtroom as Mercer entered.

• What words would you use to describe her feelings? (fear, defiance, freedom, shame, anger)
• Why is the appearance of strength so important to this woman?

Writing Activity

Add three more verses to the "If I Could" tune that Mercer heard in the corner of her mind on page 196.

Independent Research:

The book The Price of a Child is based on the true story of Jane Johnson and John Hill Wheeler, a slave owner. Research this story and find the similarities and differences of Lorene Cary’s version.