# Europe explained — Up from Slavery

> Chapter companion for Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington.

## What happens

Booker T. Washington describes his marriage to Margaret James Murray and her extensive community work, the ambitions of his children, and the unexpected gift of a European trip from Boston friends. He recounts his initial reluctance, the generous support that allowed him to leave Tuskegee, and the profound relief he felt upon sailing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Self-Improvement

Washington's children learn trades and academics, and Mrs. Washington's community programs provide object-lessons for students.

### Philanthropy and Community Support

Boston friends, including Mr. Francis J. Garrison and Mr. Henry L. Higginson, raise funds for Washington's European trip and for a new girls' industries building.

### Overcoming Adversity and Poverty

Washington contrasts his childhood in slavery and poverty with the unexpected opportunity to travel to Europe, which he once regarded 'much as I regarded heaven.'

## Character check-ins

### Booker T. Washington

Reflects on his family, his work at Tuskegee, and his surprise at being given a European vacation.

### Mrs. Washington

Margaret James Murray, Lady Principal at Tuskegee, runs mothers' meetings, plantation work, a women's club, and leads the Federation of Southern Coloured Women's Clubs.

### Portia M. Washington

Booker's oldest daughter, studying dressmaking and instrumental music, already teaching at Tuskegee.

### Mr. Francis J. Garrison

Key organizer of the European trip, arranged the route, selected the steamer, and provided letters of introduction.

### Mr. George W. Campbell

Not directly mentioned in this chapter.

## Key lines

> The thing in my life which brings me the keenest regret is that my work in connection with public affairs keeps me for so much of the time away from my family, where, of all places in the world, I delight to be.

Washington's greatest regret is that his public duties often separate him from his family, whom he loves to be with more than anywhere else.

_Expresses personal sacrifice for his public role._

> I feared that people who heard that Mrs. Washington and I were going to Europe might not know all the circumstances, and might get the idea that we had become, as some might say, 'stuck up,' and were trying to 'show off.'

Washington worried that others would think he and his wife were putting on airs by going to Europe, not understanding the true circumstances.

_Reflects his concern about perceptions of success within his race._

> It was the first time in all those years that I had felt, even in a measure, free from care; and my feeling of relief it is hard to describe on paper.

For the first time in eighteen years, Washington felt a sense of freedom from worry, a relief he finds difficult to put into words.

_Highlights the immense burden of his work at Tuskegee._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters/xvi-europe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters