Reading Comprehension
Who wrote “To My Old Master”?
Jourdon Anderson
What is the author's main purpose in writing the letter?
To respond to his former enslaver's request and assert his freedom while exposing the injustice of slavery.
What does tone mean in literature?
The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
What are the three major rhetorical appeals?
Ethos, pathos, and logos.
What historical institution shaped Jourdon's experiences?
Slavery in the United States.
Who was the letter written to?
Colonel P. H. Anderson, Jourdon's former enslaver.
Why does Jourdon discuss wages in his letter?
To emphasize that workers deserve fair compensation for their labor.
Name one word that describes Jourdon's tone.
Sarcastic, ironic, controlled, or firm.
Which rhetorical appeal uses logic and reasoning?
Logos.
What does emancipation mean?
The act of freeing people from slavery.
Why did Jourdon's former enslaver contact him?
He wanted Jourdon to return and work for him.
Why does Jourdon mention his wife and children?
To highlight his family's well-being, safety, and future opportunities.
What is irony?
A contrast between what is expected and what is actually meant or happens.
Which rhetorical appeal appeals to emotions?
Pathos
Why is this letter considered an important historical source?
It provides a firsthand perspective from a formerly enslaved person after emancipation.
Where was Jourdon living when he wrote the letter?
Dayton, Ohio.
What does Jourdon want his former enslaver to understand about freedom?
Freedom means having the right to make decisions about his own life and labor.
How does Jourdon use irony in his letter?
He uses polite language to expose the injustice and contradictions in his former enslaver's request.
Which rhetorical appeal focuses on credibility or trustworthiness?
Ethos
Identify one major theme of the letter.
Freedom, dignity, justice, family, or fair compensation.
What did Jourdon communicate about the possibility of returning
He explained that he would need fair treatment and compensation and emphasized his independence as a free man.
What is one major message readers can learn from this letter?
Every person deserves freedom, dignity, justice, and fair treatment.
Why is Jourdon's polite but sarcastic tone effective?
It allows him to criticize his former enslaver and expose injustice while maintaining a controlled, persuasive response.
How does Jourdon use logos when discussing unpaid wages?
He calculates the value of labor and uses financial reasoning to support his argument about fair compensation.
How does Jourdon challenge the power his former enslaver once held over him?
He responds as a free man who can decide whether to work and establish conditions for his employment.