Anticipation+Guide+for+The+Rains

The Rains: Voices for American Liberty by Sulayman Clark

The Rains by Sulayman Clark, although considered a fictional novel, is inspired by actual individuals and historical events. The story contains accounts of the successes and the many trials and tribulations of inter-racial and inter-faith activists who sacrificed much in order to lay the foundation for social change during a very turbulent time in American history. The book cites chronological events from the Post Revolutionary War Period of 1780 to the Reconstruction Era from 1865-1877.
 * __Annotation__**


 * __Grade Level__**: 10-12


 * __Anticipation Guide__**

Directions: For each statement below write (A) if you agree with the statement or write (D) if you disagree with the statement. We will revisit your responses after discussion and reading of the book, The Rains.

_________ 1. The Antebellum Period/Era refers to the pre-civil was culture in the southern states.

___________ 2. An abolitionist is a person who supported slavery.

___________ 3. Philadelphia was a key city in the abolitionist movement and the underground railroad.

___________ 4. Social activists are individuals who want to bring about political, economic or environmental change.

___________ 5. Both black and white abolitionists organized the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia.

___________ 6. Henry Brown was known as “Box” Brown because he manufactured boxes.

__________ 7. President Roosevelt issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which was an executive order during the Revolutionary War.

__________ 8. During the Reconstruction Era, Philadelphia became a social “melting pot” and citizens had to learn to assimilate and educate its racially diverse population.

_________ 9. A protagonist is the main character who creates obstacles that the antagonist must overcome.

_________ 10. An activist is a person who is passionate about what they believe and will work diligently for their cause despite personal sacrifice.

_________ 11. The 14th amendment to the Constitution included the following, “No state will deprive any person of life, liberty or process.”

_________ 12. The 15th amendment to the Constitution forbid African American men to vote, declaring “The right to vote will not be extended to African Americans”.

________ 13. It is a myth that many whites rejected the practice of slavery on religious and humanitarian grounds both verbally and openly.

_________ 14. It is a myth that blacks practiced passivity in the face of slavery and social oppression.

_________ 15. It is a myth that many African Americans were passionate about education despite the belief of many citizens that they were intellectually inferior.


 * __Book Comprehension Questions for The Rains__**

Directions: Read and answer the following end of book comprehension questions.

1. Demonstrate how the “free persons” of color formed a coalition of social activists in an effort to eradicate slavery.

2. Explain why the period of history from 1840 to 1877 was known as the generation of crisis.

3. Compare and contrast the opinions of Rachel Porter and Octavius on the completion of the high school.

4. How is the term “social melting pot” relevant to the period of industrialization and urbanization?

5. What can you conclude about the treatment Henry received from the hotel owner?

6. Why is the Fugitive Slave Act “an affront to every freedom loving American”? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

7. What are the similarities and differences between the “two” Harriets. Provide examples from the text.

8. In what ways did the Emancipation change the lives of African Americans? Cite evidence from the text.

9. How is the title of the book, The Rains, relevant to the events that occurred after the death of Octavius?

10. What do you infer from the closing statement that “the rains had fulfilled their purpose” with the appearance of a beneficent sun?