Up from Slavery · Chapter
II: Boyhood Days explained
Washington recounts his family's move to West Virginia after emancipation, his intense desire for education, and the challenges of balancing work and schooling in the salt-furnaces.
What happens
Washington recounts his family's move to West Virginia after emancipation, his intense desire for education, and the challenges of balancing work and schooling in the salt-furnaces. He describes the community's first efforts to establish schools for Black children, his mother's support, and his own determination to learn despite obstacles.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Self-Improvement
Washington's intense desire to learn to read and the community's collective pursuit of education through day and night schools.
Overcoming Adversity and Poverty
Washington's struggle to attend school while working long hours in the salt-furnace, and the poor living conditions in Malden.
Self-Reliance and Character Building
Washington's determination to learn on his own, including mastering the alphabet without a teacher and arranging night lessons.
Characters to notice
- Booker T. Washington
Narrates his boyhood experiences, including his longing for education and work in the salt-furnace.
- Mrs. Washington
Washington's mother, who supports his educational ambitions and procures a spelling book for him.
- John Hatcher
Mentioned as a former owner whose surname was sometimes used by freed people.
- John S. Lincoln
Example of a freedman who adopted a new surname after emancipation.
Key passages
“The most perplexing question was where to find a teacher.”
The biggest challenge was finding someone to teach.
Reflects the scarcity of educated teachers for the newly freed community.
“I recall that I looked forward with an anxious appetite to the 'teacher's day' at our little cabin.”
I eagerly anticipated the day the teacher would eat at our home.
Highlights the community's reverence for education and the teacher.
“The great ambition of the older people was to try to learn to read the Bible before they died.”
Elderly people were determined to read the Bible before passing away.
Shows the spiritual motivation behind the desire for literacy.
“I had been working in a salt-furnace for several months, and my stepfather had discovered that I had a financial value, and so, when the school opened, he decided that he could not spare me from my work.”
My stepfather realized I could earn money and refused to let me attend school.
Illustrates the economic pressures that hindered educational opportunities.
“I determined that I would learn something, anyway.”
I resolved to gain knowledge no matter what.
Demonstrates Washington's perseverance and self-reliance.