The Underground Railroad: Summary

The Underground Railroad is a historical fiction novel by Colson Whitehead which follows the story of Cora, an enslaved girl, who embarks on a dangerous journey in pursuit of freedom. The novel explores key themes such as oppression, racism and slavery, resilience and courage of African American slaves striving for freedom, and the power of hope. It also examines the complexities of family relationships between those enslaved and those who have escaped slavery. Additionally, it speaks to the importance of community in times of struggle and provides a vivid depiction of the fear and brutality experienced by slaves. In short, The Underground Railroad is an emotionally powerful story about courage and strength in the face of adversity.

1. What were the major themes of The Underground Railroad?
2. How did Cora's and Caesar's different journeys shape their characters?
3. Was The Underground Railroad an effective or efficient means of helping enslaved people to freedom?
4. How does the author's use of imagery throughout the novel contribute to its overall impact?
5. Did Cora's journey to freedom have any positive outcomes for her, in spite of its hardships?
6. Discuss the role that racism plays in The Underground Railroad.
7. What does the novel say about power dynamics in American history?
8. How is Cora's story reflective of the experience of African Americans during slavery in the United States?
9. What do you think is the main message that author Colson Whitehead was trying to convey through this novel?
10. Do you think The Underground Railroad has relevance today, and if so, how?

• The Underground Railroad is a powerful and thought-provoking story about the struggles of those seeking freedom from the oppressive system of slavery in America.
• Colson Whitehead's use of symbolism to represent the themes of escape and hope throughout the novel is particularly impactful.
• The way in which he portrays the characters' courage and resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring and uplifting.
• It is an incredibly moving story that brings to light the horrors of slavery as well as the remarkable strength of its victims.
• Whitehead's vivid descriptions make you feel like you are right there with Cora on her journey, experiencing both the good and bad moments along with her.
• The Underground Railroad serves as a reminder that no matter how much progress we make, we must never forget our past and its many injustices.
• The book's exploration of the psychological effects of oppression on those who experience it is particularly poignant.
• It highlights how people can persevere through unimaginable difficulties despite being faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
• The novel also illustrates how even small acts of kindness or support can make a huge difference in someone's life during times of hardship and struggle.
• The Underground Railroad is a brilliant piece of literature that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

1. "I was not allowed to be weak. I had to be strong and keep going."
2. "We all have a right to our freedom, no matter how hard the journey may be."
3. "The only way to survive was to keep pushing forward, no matter what."
4. "You can't stop a person who is determined to be free."
5. "No one can take away your freedom – you have to claim it for yourself."

TV & Film 1. The Underground Railroad (2021) — a limited series directed by Barry Jenkins and based on the novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. 2. Freedom on the Underground Railroad (2008) — a documentary film that examines the history of the Underground Railroad, featuring interviews with historians, scholars, and descendants of escapees and conductors. 3. Harriet Tubman: An American Hero (2002) — a made-for-TV movie about Harriet Tubman's life and her role in leading slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. 4. Follow the Drinking Gourd (1988) — an animated TV special about two runaway slaves who make their way to freedom via the Underground Railroad with the help of a song called “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” 5. A Place for Annie (1994) — a made-for-TV movie about a slave girl who escapes to freedom via the Underground Railroad with the help of an abolitionist family. 6. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1968) — an animated feature film adaptation of Mark Twain's classic novel, which features a scene involving Huck and Jim using the Underground Railroad to escape slavery on a raft down the Mississippi River. 7. Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1927) — an early silent film adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous novel which includes scenes depicting slaves escaping via the Underground Railroad. Radio & Podcasts 1. The Road to Freedom (2010–2011) — a radio drama about a group of escaped slaves making their way through rural America on the Underground Railroad in search of freedom. 2. The Codebreakers: Escape from Slavery (2015) — an NPR podcast series that chronicles escaped slaves’ stories as they make their way along the Underground Railroad in search of freedom. 3. We Shall Overcome: Stories from America’s Great Migration (2018–present) — an NPR podcast series that chronicles stories from African Americans who traveled north during the Great Migration, many of whom used the Underground Railroad as part of their journey. Theatrical Adaptations 1. The Freedom Train (2003–2005) — a musical stage production that follows two runaway slaves as they make their way to freedom via the Underground Railroad while telling stories along the way about other escaped slaves’ experiences on their journeys to freedom. 2. Follow My Footprints: Stories from America’s Great Migration (2012) — an original theatrical production that tells stories from African Americans who used the Underground Railroad as part of their journey north during the Great Migration in search of freedom and opportunity in America’s cities

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