Question

According to Betty's account, what were the working conditions of the coal pits? Was the work easy or difficult? What does Betty say to give you that impression?

Answer 1

According to Betty's account, the working condition in the coal pit was harsh because as a drawer, she had to crawl under small mine shafts and dragged loads of coal from the pit. The working condition was not favorable because of slippery shafts, heat, and water that would collect in the mine during a rainstorm.

Women and children frequently were beaten for being slow. Betty speaks about the reality of a coal pit, where they have to suffer hardship to earn a living.

Answer 2

Answer and explanation;

-The conditions in the pit were harsh, and the work was very difficult. Betty worked 12 hour days eating very little food during the day. She had only break during the day. She often went home so tired she would fall asleep before washing up.

-The belt she wore was uncomfortable and she was often going uphill, or working in deep water. Also Betty says that it was common for male workers to beat the drawers, who were mostly women and children. Betty thought the work was very hard for a woman.