Writing Prompts (student choice or teacher directed)
COLONIZATION: In Part 4, Lucy hears the politician Benjamin Harrison address a gathering
of abolitionists. What does his political party—the “Free Soil Party” stand for? Does Harrison
consider himself an abolitionist? Does he believe in racial equality between black and whites?
Describe the “colonization” policy he proposes. Was there was any precedent in American
history to sending formerly enslaved people back to Africa? Do you think people like Harrison
may have played a role in ultimately abolishing slavery despite their beliefs about racial
equality?
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: What did the Underground Railroad consist of? Who
served as its “conductors?” Why did they have to be careful to avoid detection even in the
“free” states of the north? Were their activities legal? Can you think of any other examples of
people finding it necessary to break the law in the interests of a higher moral authority? Would
you ever consider doing so yourself? Explain.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PRUDENT: Life for runaway slaves and those who helped
them was filled with risk. Even in the “free” northern states, armed slave catchers were
common sights, and the law was on their side when it came to returning fugitives to their
masters. Because of this, an important survival skill for both runaways and Underground
Railroad conductors was “prudence”—a careful and patient attitude that looked to avoid
trouble. Can you think of times when Lucy and other characters have been prudent (or
imprudent) in the decisions they have made? What have the results been? Many 19th century
Americans felt their government should be prudent in dealing with the political conflict over
slavery. Fearing a bloody civil war, they wanted to let slavery be abandoned slowly over time
instead of abolished all at once. Do you think prudence was a virtue in that context? Why or
why not?
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM: In Part 4, Millicent Hatcher rejects the idea of buying Lucy’s
mother and brother’s freedom, insisting that it would be supporting the system of slavery. Do
you agree? If not, why not? If so, would you still agree if she were talking about your own
mother and brother? Certainly John Parker would argue that the purchase of his own freedom
was money well spent, enabling him to help others find freedom. There is often a gap between
what we believe is right in principle and what we find necessary to do in life itself; bridging that
gap is a process called compromise—a concept which often carries negative connotations, but
which often enables progress or resolution. Assuming Lucy could have saved enough money to
purchase her mother and brother legally, what advantages would there have been to doing so
rather than attempting to help them to escape as she had?
LUCY’S JOURNAL. Through Lucy’s eyes, think about your circumstances from the beginning
to the end of this part of “Flight to Freedom.” Think about the people with whom you
interacted, what you learned from them. Think about the choices you made and the
consequences of those choices. Now write a journal entry from Lucy’s point-of-view
summarizing what happened to you in Part 4. You may choose to illustrate one aspect of your
entry.
Primary Sources to examine after Part 4. The following documents are a part of Lucy's Story. Depending on the choices that you made you may or may not have seen these documents. Review all four documents and write about how each of these had an impact on Lucy's life.
After Part 4
Part 4 Review Questions PDF - Followed by class discussion. Each student may have a different part to add to the story depending on the choices they made (cause and effect).