Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff
Wasn't scared of nothing neither
Didn't come in this world to be no slave
And wasn't going to stay one either
"Farewell!" she sang to her friends one night
She was mighty sad to leave 'em
But she ran away that dark, hot night
Ran looking for her freedom
She ran to the woods and she ran through the woods
With the slave catchers right behind her
And she kept on going till she got to the North
Where those mean men couldn't find her
Nineteen times she went back South
To get three hundred others
She ran for her freedom nineteen times
To save Black sisters and brothers
Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff
Wasn't scared of nothing neither
Didn't come in this world to be no slave
And didn't stay one either
And didn't stay one either
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Comprehension Questions
1. How does the poet's use of figurative language and word choice impact the tone of the poem?
2. Draw a conclusion: Was helping slaves to escape a risky business? (risky: dangerous; something that could get you in trouble.)
3. In this poem what do you think the word “stuff” means?
4. What is the attitude or tone of the poem? Does the writer sound proud or ashamed? Explain
5. Draw a conclusion: Why do you think the poet repeats certain lines?
6. Read back over the poem. Identify the following: In verse 2, what does the poem say she “ran looking for”?
7. Explain the impact that the phrase "nineteen times, She went back has on the poets message.
1. The poet's use of figurative language and word choice, such as describing Harriet Tubman as "mighty sad" and the slave catchers as "mean men," adds depth and emotion to the poem, creating a tone of resilience and bravery.
2. Yes, helping slaves to escape was a risky business as it involved defying the laws of the time, putting oneself in danger of capture or harm, and facing severe consequences if caught by slave catchers.
3. The word "stuff" in this poem likely refers to mistreatment, oppression, or limitations placed upon Harriet Tubman as a slave.
4. The tone of the poem is proud and empowering. The writer celebrates Harriet Tubman's courage and determination to seek freedom for herself and others, emphasizing her refusal to accept the status quo of slavery.
5. The repetition of certain lines, such as "Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff/Wasn't scared of nothing neither," reinforces the poem's message of Tubman's strength, defiance, and refusal to be a victim of slavery.
6. In verse 2, the poem says she "ran looking for her freedom."
7. The phrase "nineteen times she went back" emphasizes Harriet Tubman's persistence and dedication in risking her own safety multiple times to lead others to freedom, highlighting her selflessness and commitment to the cause of abolition.