Rebecca Freeman

Rebecca Freeman
March
Geraldine Brooks
Historical Fiction
Challenge
118

1)Right now Mr. March is reminiscing and talking about what happened after he got married to Margeret (Marmee). At this moment he is describing how, he would ask his aunt to stay with him because of his uncle's failing health. However, Marmee would often lose her temper with her because of her views. Also, he was mentioning how, one day, after Beth was born, he saw her crying while surrounded by her wonderful children. Mr. March thought that it was because her father had recently died. When he asked her, she said that she was crying because she didn't think that it was fair that she got to 'enjoy the comfort of her babes' while a slave's were being taken away. That shows how strongly she felt against slavery. Although Mr. march said before his trip down memory lane that his wealth had declined a lot, he is quite wealthy at the point where I am.

2.So far I really like this book. Although I don't understand a lot of the words in the book I still like it a lot. I like how the book flips from his past- what ever triggers a past memory- to what is presently happening to him as a chaplain for the Union during the civil war. I especially like how he is very against slavery and all for equal rights but realizes that even many people in the Union army don't care about slavery and don't consider people with different colored skin 'equal' to them. When Mr. March hears people speak cruelly towards slaves he always speaks out- which ends up getting him kicked out of the army. I really like the way he stands up for them.

3. A theme that I have noticed is standing up for what is right. S0 far, both Mr. March and Marmee stand up to protest slavery and promote equal rights. For example, Marmee helped people escame through the underground railroad. She often hid runaway slaves in her house for at least one night. She is very outspoken with her beliefs and never refrains from giving anyone who does not consider women or Africans equal a loud and furious lecture. Also, Mr. March stands up during church when the minister talks about sending help to Africa while a slave auction was going on outside.

4. My favorite character is definitely Marmee. She is my favorite because she always stands up for equal rights for both slaves (later ex-slaves) and women. She never obeys the code in which women remain silent and don't have an opinion. She is the exact opposite. If you say something she knows isn't right she will attack you with her words and criticisms.

5. My least favorite character is probably Mr. Canning. I don't like him because he doesn't pay the African-Americans for their work. Also, he only lets them stop working if the are physically unable to pick the crops. Instead of letting them rest until they are better, he works them until they are about to die. Also, he doesn't feed the workers. He does not give them food, let them pick or grow food or pay them so that they can buy some. He makes them pick the amount that they must per day and then do more instead of letting them pick their own food.

6. I think that Mr. March will make a financial mistake, quickly plunging his family into what will be almost poverty. Also, I think that he will try to teach the African Americans but will run into problems with Mr. Canning- maybe he will not give them time to go to school or Mr. March will do something he isn't allowed to- get food for the workers? and then get caught by Mr. Canning and be forced to flee (it is becoming a pattern).