Chapter Nine: Waiting

Pre-Reading Reading Discussion:

• Have you ever visited people that you hadn't seen in a long time? What was the experience like for you?
• In what ways can such reunions be challenging?

Vocabulary:

• rigid (p.206)
• resentment (p.210)
• peevish (p.211)
• bondage (p.214)
• relentlessly (p.221)

Read:

Chapter Nine

Post-Reading Discussion:

Review the quotation from Frederick Douglass' narrative found on page 170.

• Why is it so important for Etta to know her birthday?
• Why does this need make Mercer so angry?
• In what ways have Mercer, Etta and Mattie changed since they were last together?
• Why does Mercer struggle with her decision to go on a speaking tour?
• Would you go if you were in her position?
• How is Mercer's view different from those of Abby Ann and Blanche?
• How do you feel about these characters?