The Husband and Father
by Harriet Beecher Stowe from Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Chapter III passage: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" was published in 1852. Stowe was a strong abolitionist, and the book reflects her opposition to slavery in the United States. The book became extraordinarily popular; it was the best-selling book of the 19th century. It is credited with raising awareness and promoting anti-slavery opinions. This passage is about Eliza, an enslaved woman owned by the Shelby family. Her husband George is owned by a neighboring family. Eliza and George have one child, a small boy named Harry. Harry is charming, smart, and handsome. Earlier Eliza had overheard a slave trader speaking with her owner about buying Harry. Now her husband has come to say goodbye to her. George is speaking at the beginning of the passage.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Husband and Father
by Harriet Beecher Stowe from Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- notions
- smote
- verandah
- retired
- checked
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “that I’ve got proud notions from you”
a. buttons and thread b. views or ideas c. children; offspring d. furnishings
2) “The words smote heavily on Eliza’s heart”
a. hit; struck b. leaned or sloped c. occupied; retained d. carved; sculpted
3) “She looked nervously out on the verandah”
a. forest or woodland b. field; pasture c. pond or lake d. porch; patio
4) “the boy, tired of the grave conversation, had retired”
a. gone to sleep b. rebelled or revolted c. retreated; withdrew d. run wild
5) “She would have spoken to tell her husband her fears, but checked herself”
a. stopped; controlled b. doubted or questioned c. admired; examined d. removed