What Is The Hob In Underground Railroad? (Solution)

Summary and Analysis Chapter 2. Cora’s mother ran away when Cora was 10 or 11 years old. Without a mother, Cora became a misfit among the slaves and was sent to live in the Hob, a cabin for women who do not belong anywhere else, including those who are unfit to work or mentally unstable.

What was the Underground Railroad and how did it work?

During the era of slavery, the Underground Railroad was a network of routes, places, and people that helped enslaved people in the American South escape to the North. The name “Underground Railroad” was used metaphorically, not literally. It was not an actual railroad, but it served the same purpose—it transported people long distances.

What symbols were used in the Underground Railroad?

Certain Songs were sung as symbols of Underground Railway members. “All Clear” was conveyed in safe houses using a lighted lantern in a certain place as this symbol. Knocks on doors used a coded series of taps as symbols of identity. Certain items, such as a quilt, were hung on a clothesline.

What happened to Big Anthony in the Underground Railroad?

Whitehead describes Big Anthony’s punishment as being meted out over the course of three days. He languishes in the stocks at first, then is whipped in front of the dinner guests. Finally, on the third day, he was doused and burned.

Is Cora dead in Underground Railroad?

Cora is a slave on a plantation in Georgia and an outcast after her mother Mabel ran off without her. She resents Mabel for escaping, although it is later revealed that her mother tried to return to Cora but died from a snake bite and never reached her. Caesar approaches Cora about a plan to flee.

What was the significance of the okra seeds in the Underground Railroad?

They were used as slaves and treated horrifically. All they had was their culture and their roots. These Okra seeds symbolized what was left. They already accepted that they had robbed their homes, but these whites would never be able to rob them of their values, their roots.

Where did slaves hide on the Underground Railroad?

Hiding places included private homes, churches and schoolhouses. These were called “stations,” “safe houses,” and “depots.” The people operating them were called “stationmasters.” There were many well-used routes stretching west through Ohio to Indiana and Iowa.

Why did slaves use codes?

Supporters of the Underground Railroad used words railroad conductors employed everyday to create their own code as secret language in order to help slaves escape. Code words would be used in letters to “agents” so that if they were intercepted they could not be caught.

How old is the little boy in the Underground Railroad?

There are cruel plantation owners, haunted slave catchers, and bigoted religious zealots making Cora’s (Thuso Mbedu) path to freedom fraught with horror and anguish, but perhaps the most terrifying person standing in the way of Cora’s freedom throughout the series is a 10-year old boy named Homer. Chase W.

Who is Carpenter Underground Railroad?

Cora and Caesar travel the underground railroad to South Carolina, where Cora is given forged papers identifying her as a freewoman named Bessie Carpenter. “Bessie” works first as a maid for a white family, then as an actor in museum displays that depict slave life.

Why does Stevens rob graves?

According to his society, Stevens’ grave robbing is a crime but not the most serious of crimes. Stevens himself chooses to understand grave robbing as a noble calling in order to ease his own conscience.

Where did Caesar go in Underground Railroad?

Caesar is an enslaved man who lives on Randall and invites Cora to run away with him. Born in Virginia to Lily Jane and Jerome, Caesar spends most of his life in Virginia (owned by Mrs. Garner), before being sold south and ending up on Randall.

How many children did Cora’s grandmother have?

Ajarry is Cora’s grandmother and Mabel’s mother. She was born in Africa before being kidnapped and enslaved slave in America, where she is sold so many times that she comes to believe she is “cursed.” She has three husbands and five children, of which Mabel is the only one to survive.

Why are the tree trunks painted white in the Underground Railroad?

Trees painted white protects them from sun damage Paint can also be used to protect exposed tree trunks in cases where the bark has been damaged, this method protects the fragile trunk against pests and further damage until the bark has recovered.

LitCharts

SS.8.13.Explain the powers and duties of individuals, political parties, and the media in a range of governmental and nonprofit organizations, including the United Nations. skills for the twenty-first century SS.8.19.Explain how immigration and migration were influenced by push and pull influences in early American history; and In larger historical settings, examine the relationships and linkages between early American historical events and developments. Explain how and why the dominant social, cultural, and political attitudes evolved during the early history of the United States.

The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, Washington’s Farewell Address, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty with France, the Monroe Doctrine, the Indian Removal Act, the Missouri Compromise, Dred Scott v.

Hob Quotes inThe Underground Railroad

The statements about the Underground Railroad that follow all make reference to the emblem of Hob. You may view the various personalities and topics that are associated with each quotation by clicking on their names (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:). Please keep in mind that all page numbers and reference information for the quotes in this section apply to the Doubleday version of The Underground Railroad released in 2016. They were exiles, but once they arrived in Hob, he gave a certain level of security.

Some nights, the walls of Hob served as a fortress, protecting the inhabitants from feuds and intrigues.
HobPage Numberand Citation:54 are related symbols.
Every name is a valuable asset, a living capital investment, and a profit made flesh.
People were not reduced to numbers in her inventory of loss, but rather were multiplied by the kindnesses they had shown.
Lovey, Martin, and Ethel, Fletcher, three of the Hob ladies.
Related Symbols:HobPage Number and Citation:215Explanation and Analysis: HobPage Number and Citation:215

Hob Symbol Timeline inThe Underground Railroad

The following timeline illustrates when and where the symbol Hob occurs in The Underground Railroad novel. The colorful dots and symbols next to each appearance show which themes are related with that particular occurrence. .named Ava becomes angry of Cora and works a deal with the authorities to have Cora detained in Hob. (full context)Hobis are places where “the wretched” are exiled—enslaved persons who have been “broken” either physically or mentally by their captors. Because of this occurrence, Cora becomes the most “famous” inhabitant of Hob as a result of the tragedy.

Blake’s doghouse is used by Cora.
(read the rest of the sentence) Wrestling contests are taking place, and Lovey expresses her desire to wrestle with one of the participants.
One of them has a history of seizures, while the other two have experienced trauma.
Nag was pleased with her accomplishments.
Caesar pays a visit to Cora atHob on the night before Big Anthony’s sentence begins, and Cora brings him to the abandoned, crumbling schoolhouse where they may chat about life.
(See the whole context.) But he tells Cora that Fletcher is a trustworthy individual.
Mabel is a mystery, and Cora has a feeling about it.
Cora, who has lost track of herself, observes that 40 is “yourHob.” Cora feels unhappy to be leaving the Andersons, who she considers to be wonderful employers.
(See the complete context.) During a conversation with another captive man, he inquired about Cora and was told to avoid Hobwomen.
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The Hob Women

In Colson Whitehead’s novel The Underground Railroad, the Hob ladies are a loosely defined group of social misfits that live on the plantation with Cora, who is the main character. Those who fall into this category are women who are crippled, mentally sick (or believed to be), or otherwise damaged or weird in some manner. Cora’s life of ostracism is sealed by her association with these ladies, although she does get certain advantages as a result of her situation. In part because of her reputation as a Hob woman, at least among other slaves, Cora is subjected to less abuses since she is feared for being almost viciously aggressive and illogical, which makes her a target for abuse.

Historically, because African American culture was dishonored and ridiculed from the beginning, African American culture has always had greater freedom to be imaginative and inventive in its expression.

Because so few people took black people’s comments seriously in the past, black people were able to express themselves more historically.

A large portion of the inquiry and discovery of the “heart of the American character” has, in my opinion, been carried out mostly by black people.

The Underground Railroad Chapter 2: Georgia Summary and Analysis

It is Cora’s point of view that we are introduced in the second chapter, which begins with her sitting at the edge of her little garden plot, anticipating the commencement of celebrations to commemorate the birthday of a fellow slave, Jockey. She shares memories of the garden, a place where she “owns herself for a few hours” every Sunday and where she “owns herself for a few hours” (12). When her grandmother, Ajarry, came on the Randall plantation, she was the one who planted the first seed in the plot.

Cora was left to fend for herself when she was eleven years old, when she was left to fend for herself.
Blake, a young, strong laborer who had recently joined the Randall plantation, was the next to arrive.
When Cora was overcome with wrath, she “smashed the doghouse with a hatchet” (19), as she put it.
Cora’s social standing deteriorated even worse as a result of the incident.
No one intervened.
Continuing on the day of Jockey’s birthday celebration, the tale continues.
This type of celebration, a mini slave liberation, is exclusively observed in the northern half of the Randall population, during the reign of King James I of England.

Chester, a stray that Cora takes care of, is among the children preparing for the races, and Cora observes them with amusement.

After the races, Cora is approached by Caesar, a new slave with whom she has never talked before.

Soon.

I’d want you to come.

After that, they all sit and watch the wrestling contests until eventually, the dancing begins; this is an opportunity for the slaves to form “an enclosed circle around themselves that separated the human spirits within from the depravity beyond” (28).

In the middle of the slaves’ rejoicing, the Randall brothers arrive out of nowhere, bearing wine glasses in their hands.

Terrance, on the other hand, preys on the female slaves under his control.

Terrance notices that Michael has died as a result of a beating by the overseer, Connelly, and decides to make the slaves dance to entertain them.

Terrance starts pounding Chester with his cane, causing him to bleed profusely.

After only a short second, she runs to defend Chester with her own body, and the cane lands on her instead.

It has taken Cora many days to recuperate from the cane as well as from the whipping that followed it three days later.

Cora considers her mother’s escape from the Randall plantation as she battles with her health, and readers eventually hear the story of Mabel, who fled away from the Randall plantation years ago, leaving Cora behind.

The missing yams, however, were never located since Mabel had taken them with her and left the vacant garden plot for Cora to take over.

Two days later, James passes away, and Terrance is preparing to take over his brother’s portion of the family property.

The night before his sentencing, Caesar pays a visit to Cora in Hob, where he attempts to persuade her to join him on his escape, but she rejects him once more.

Terrance gives them a presentation on the greater cotton yields he anticipates, as well as other new, harsher restrictions.

After that day, Cora had a change of heart and resolves to flee the country with Caesar.

A local lawyer instead liquidated her fortune, and Caesar’s family was divided and sold in the southern United States.

On one occasion, a white gentleman contacted him and offered to let him sell his bowls at his shop throughout the week.

They begin their escape the night before, when Cora digs up a bunch of yams from her garden to take with her, and they make their way across a marsh at the border of the Randall estate.

They had no option but to comply and continue on their journey.

During the altercation, Cora smashes a rock into the brain of a kid who is trying to detain her and manages to flee with his life.

Cora and Caesar arrive safely to Fletcher’s residence, where he informs them of the current state of affairs.

Because of Cora’s assault on her assailant, they were now “as good as murders” in addition to being fugitives on the run.

They make it safely through the town and continue on their journey.

A stairway leads them to the train platform, where Lumbly, the station agent, greets them and leads them into the station.

Lumbly provides them a sketchy train timetable, and the runaways take the next train, despite the fact that they have no idea where they are going.

They board the train, and it begins its journey. Cora sits and watches the night pass them by till they arrive at their destination, when they step out into the South Carolina sun.

Analysis

After describing life on the Randall plantation in the second chapter, the author creates an atmosphere that serves as a somber background for the remainder of the novel. Terrance Randall, the plantation’s master, is a despotic dictator. His most graphic manifestation involves bringing in woodworkers to carve magical sculptures into stocks that were originally intended to be used as a punishment for a runaway slave. The narrator explains how the carvings in the wood light up as they burn, “twisting in the flames as if they were alive” (47), while Big Anthony is publicly tortured and burnt alive, on display for three days straight.

Readers will understand why Cora wants to flee as a result of these detailed details, which will help them grasp her motivations for wanting to go.
Through the course of the narrative, Cora will make many allusions to this terrible backdrop.
Two of Cora’s distinguishing attributes are on exhibit in this first chapter: her capacity to forge her own path in the midst of adversity and, in a related vein, her will to succeed in spite of obstacles.
Internal rivalries and petty vendettas exist on the plantation—for example, rumors circulate that Cora slips out to the marsh on full moons to engage in fornication with donkeys and goats—all of which contribute to the plantation’s “usefulness” to the society (21).
The text does not indicate for whose advantage this imposed “circle of respectability” is in place: whether it is for the benefit of slaves or for the profit of masters (21).
At least at initially, being in the company of “abject animals” such as the mentally and physically challenged residents of Hob makes her feel uncomfortable (17).
In addition, she begins to believe that she is a part of the group as well.

Cora’s “castle” on the estate is transformed into a genuine home for Hob and her family (54).

Cora is also revealed to be a character with a strong sense of purpose.

In particular, Blake, a competent field worker who wants to take over the plot of land for his dog, stands out as a particularly powerful schemer.

Blake’s doghouse is then demolished with a hatchet in front of a mob of bystanders, and she escapes without injury.

More than merely resolve, the language implies that Cora’s actions are guided by an intuitive sense and are unique in their own right.

During the event, Cora is described by the narrator as being “weird” and “under a spell,” and thereafter she is unable to recall what compelled her to execute the deed (19, 39).

Combining her strong emotionality with her determination, Cora proves to be an extremely formidable protagonist.

There have been reports that even Ajarry has vowed to use violence if anyone disturbs her vegetable plot.

This first chapter, in particular, underscores the significance of mother to daughter inheritance, a concept that will recur often throughout the rest of the book.

Cora and Caesar are about to go on their first journey on the subterranean railroad when the conductor, Lumbly, informs them that the actual face of America can only be seen from the train itself.

The Underground Railroad Questions and Answers

After describing life on the Randall plantation in the second chapter, the author creates an atmosphere that serves as a somber background for the rest of the novel. Terrance Randall, the plantation’s ruler, is a despotic figure. The artist invites woodworkers to carve exotic images into stocks that were originally used for the punishment of a runaway slave in one especially gory performance. The narrator explains how the carvings in the wood light up as they burn, “twisting in the flames as if they were alive” (47), while Big Anthony is publicly tortured and burnt alive, on display for three days in a row.

These evocative details help readers comprehend Cora’s urge to flee, and the assumption that underpins her wish to flee is established.
Throughout the story, Cora will make many allusions to this harrowing backdrop.
During this first chapter, two of Cora’s most distinguishing attributes are on display: her ability to forge her own path in the face of adversity and her steadfastness in the face of obstacles.
Internal rivalries and petty vendettas exist on the plantation—for example, rumors circulate that Cora slips out to the marsh on full moons to engage in fornication with donkeys and goats—all of which contribute to the community’s “usefulness” (21).
The text does not indicate for whose advantage this imposed “circle of respectability” is in place: whether it is for the benefit of slaves or for the profit of the master (21).
It’s true that at first she is intimidated by the presence of such “abject monsters” as the mentally and physically challenged residents of Hob (17).
Her confidence grows as she begins to believe that she has a place in this group.

During Cora’s time on the estate, Hob grows into a genuine home and “castle” (54).

Also revealed about Cora is that she is a character that is extremely driven.

Blake, a powerful field worker who wants to take over the piece of land for his dog, is a particularly tough schemer.

Blake’s doghouse is then destroyed with a hatchet in front of an audience of witnesses.

Moreover, the language implies that there is something obvious and unique about Cora’s acts in addition to her drive.

She, too, is unable to recall what prompted her to act after the event; she, too, is unable to recall what prompted her to take action after the fact (19, 39).

Combining her strong emotionality with her determination, Cora emerges as a forceful heroine.

Apparently, even Ajarry threatened violence if anybody came near her vegetable plot, according to reports.

Indeed, the importance of mother-to-daughter inheritance is established in this first chapter, a concept that continues to reverberate throughout the whole novel.

Cora and Caesar are about to go on their first journey on the underground railroad when the conductor, Lumbly, informs them that the actual face of America can only be seen from the Railroad.

The United States, which is known as the land of opportunity, appears to be a country that can only be fully comprehended from within the darkness, onboard a machine constructed by America’s most oppressed citizens.

The Underground Railroad Colson Whitehead Symbols – Studypool

As described in the second chapter, life on the Randall plantation serves as a gloomy background for the remainder of the novel. Terrance Randall, the plantation’s master, is a tyrant. In one especially grisly show, he enlists the help of woodworkers to carve fanciful images onto shackles that had been fashioned to punish a runaway slave. The narrator recounts how the carvings in the wood light up as they burn, “twisting in the flames as if alive (47),” while Big Anthony is publicly maimed and burnt alive, on display for three days straight.

Readers will understand why Cora wants to flee as a result of these detailed details, which will help them grasp her motivations for fleeing.
Cora will make many allusions to this harrowing environment throughout the story.
Two of Cora’s distinguishing attributes are on show in this first chapter: her capacity to forge her own path in the midst of adversity and, in turn, her will to succeed.
Internal rivalries and petty vendettas exist on the plantation—for example, rumors circulate that Cora slips out to the marsh on full moons to engage in fornication with donkeys and goats—all of which contribute to the plantation’s “utility” to the community (21).
The text does not indicate for whose advantage this imposed “circle of respectability” is in place: for the benefit of the slave or the profit of the master (21).
At least at first, being in the company of such “abject animals” as the mentally and physically challenged residents of Hob makes her feel uncomfortable (17).
Furthermore, she begins to believe that she, too, is a part of the group.

Cora’s actual house and “fortress” on the property is transformed into Hob (54).

Cora is also revealed to be a character with a strong sense of determination.

Blake, a strong field worker who wants to take over the plot of land for his dog, is a particularly powerful schemer.

Blake’s doghouse is then demolished with a hatchet in front of a large throng of bystanders.

More than merely determination, the text hints that Cora’s behaviors are influenced by something intuitive and unique.

Cora is described as “under a spell” and “weird” by the narrator; after the occurrence, she, too, is unable to recall what prompted her to take action (19, 39).

When combined with her tenacity, Cora is a formidable heroine.

Even Ajarry is believed to have threatened violence if her vegetable plot was harmed.

Indeed, the importance of mother-to-daughter inheritance is established in this first chapter, a concept that continues to resound throughout the novel.

Cora and Caesar are about to board the underground railroad for the first time when the conductor, Lumbly, informs them that the actual face of America can only be seen from the Railroad.

Consequently, it appears that America, a nation that professes to be a beacon of liberty, can only be properly comprehended from within the darkness, onboard a machine made by America’s most oppressed citizens.

Newest Questions

The second chapter portrays life on the Randall plantation, providing a setting that serves as a somber background for the rest of the novel. Terrance Randall, the plantation’s master, is a dictator who abuses his power. His most graphic presentation is bringing in woodworkers to carve magical characters into stocks that were originally intended to be used as a punishment for a fugitive slave. The narrator explains how the carvings in the wood light up as they burn, “twisting in the flames as if they were alive” (47), while Big Anthony is publicly maimed and burned alive, and is on display for three days straight.

This is the concept that underpins Cora’s desire to flee; thanks to these detailed descriptions, readers can understand why Cora wants to go.
Throughout the narrative, Cora will make many allusions to this harrowing location.
Two of Cora’s distinguishing attributes are on exhibit in this first chapter: her capacity to forge her own path in the midst of adversity and, in a similar vein, her persistence.
There are various internal arguments and petty vendettas on the plantation—for example, a rumor that Cora slips out to the marsh to fornicate with donkeys and goats on the full moon—which contribute a certain “usefulness” to the society (21).
The text does not indicate for whose advantage this imposed “circle of respectability” is in place: whether it is for the benefit of the slave or the owner (21).
At least at initially, being in the company of such “abject animals” as the mentally and physically challenged residents of Hob makes her feel uncomfortable (17).
In addition, she begins to believe that she is a part of the group.

Cora’s “castle” on the estate is transformed into a genuine home for Hob (54).

Cora is also proven to be a character with a strong sense of self.

Blake, a strong field hand who wants to take over the plot of land for his dog, is a particularly formidable con artist.

Then, in front of a throng of bystanders, she crushes Blake’s doghouse with the hatchet.

More than mere resolve, the language implies that Cora’s behaviors are influenced by something intuitive and unique.

Cora is described as “under a spell” and “weird” by the narrator, who, after the fact, is unable to recall what prompted her to take action (19, 39).

When combined with her determination, Cora is a formidable heroine.

Even Ajarry is believed to have threatened violence if anybody interfered with her vegetable plot.

Indeed, the importance of mother-to-daughter inheritance is established in this first chapter, a concept that continues to reverberate throughout the novel.

Cora and Caesar are about to go on their first journey on the subterranean railroad when the conductor, Lumbly, informs them that the actual face of America can only be seen from the train.

He also answers, “Who creates anything?” when Cora asks aloud, implying that slaves are involved. As a result, it appears that America, a nation that offers freedom, can only be properly comprehended from within the darkness, onboard a machine made by America’s most enslaved populace.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Readers will understand why Cora wants to flee as a result of these detailed details, which will help them grasp her motivations for wanting to go.
Through the course of the narrative, Cora will make many allusions to this terrible backdrop.
Two of Cora’s distinguishing attributes are on exhibit in this first chapter: her capacity to forge her own path in the midst of adversity and, in a related vein, her will to succeed in spite of obstacles.
Internal rivalries and petty vendettas exist on the plantation—for example, rumors circulate that Cora slips out to the marsh on full moons to engage in fornication with donkeys and goats—all of which contribute to the plantation’s “usefulness” to the society (21).
The text does not indicate for whose advantage this imposed “circle of respectability” is in place: whether it is for the benefit of slaves or for the profit of masters (21).
At least at initially, being in the company of “abject animals” such as the mentally and physically challenged residents of Hob makes her feel uncomfortable (17).
In addition, she begins to believe that she is a part of the group as well.