Anthony Burns, the Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave

Anthony Burns Questions----chapters 5 through 8 (pgs. 33-74)


Answer these questions in your literary log. Due on Wed., Sept 29th for Week 2 Farm School 7th and 8th graders and Friday, Oct. 2nd for Week 2 6th graders.

Chapter 5
1. Reverend Parker said, “I know that men urge in argument that the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, and that it sanctions slavery. There is no supreme law but that made by God; if our laws contradict that, the sooner they end or the sooner they are broken, why, the better.” (pg. 37).
*What law(s) is he referring to?
*Do you agree with his point of view? Give reasons for your answer.

2. Why did Reverend Grimes decide not to leave Anthony?

Chapter 6
3. What experience did Dana have that “taught him sympathy for the less fortunate”? Be specific.

4. What factors made is difficult for Anthony to decide whether or not to accept help from one of the attorneys? (give more than one reason)

Chapter 7
5. What’s “the argument of the woods”?

Chapter 8
6. Why had public sentiment about helping to return slaves to the south changed so greatly from 1851 to 1854?

Vocabulary:
illustrious (pg. 42)
mobilized (pg. 54)
plight (pg. 66)
magistrate (pg. 67)
solace (pg. 70)