Section 1. Samuel's Choice (p.1-15)
 

First Passage
P.1 paragraph 1
ìMy masterÖ..  On New York Harbor.î
This passage is important because the author describes the setting of the story.  This is important to the reader, because he/she is informed of the characters and the setting, which is necessary when reading a book.
Q. Where does the story take place?
A. The slaves on Gowanus Creek in Brooklyn.
Author's Purpose: Informative
 

Second Passage
P.3 paragraph 2
ìFarmer Isaac...flour on my lips.î
This passage is important because the reader is informed about the grueling day that the slaves are forced to perform.  It is important for the reader to gain a perspective of what life was like for slaves.
Q. Were the slaves compensated for the hard work they had to perform?
A. No, Samuel worked hard all day, but went to bad hungry every night.
Author's Purpose:  Descriptive
 

Third Passage
P.5 paragraph 1
ìWhen Farmer Isaac...where I wanted.î
This passage provides foreshadowing for what Samuel may be asked to do later in the story.  This is important, because the reader knows Isaac will have to make a choice whether to obey his master, or act brave.
Q. How might Samuel use his boating skills later in the story during the war?
A.  Samuel might sail to freedom.
Author's Purpose: Foreshadowing
 

Fourth Passage
P.8 paragraph 4
ìWhat was it,...Isaac Van Ditmas.î
I chose this passage because it describes the history of the Revolutionary war from a slave's perspective.  I think their prospective is important because they fought for someone else's freedom.
Q. Do all the slaves think liberty is possible for slaves?
A. No, some of the slaves think that liberty is not for slaves.
Author's Purpose: To Describe the History of the Revolution from a slave's perspective.
 

You pick the fifth passage and explain why.