Question

Question 6 (3 points)

Consider the following lyrics from "Follow the Drinking Gourd" (page 185 in your
textbook)
When the sun comes back and the first quail calls, Follow the drinking gourd, For the
old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom If you follow the drinking gourd.
What does the coded-language symbolize when the words state to "follow the
drinking gourd"?

Answer 1

The coded-language 'follow the drinking gourd' symbolizes using the Big Dipper constellation as a guide to escape slavery and find freedom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The coded-language symbolized in the lyrics to 'follow the drinking gourd' is a metaphor for escaping slavery and reaching freedom. 'The drinking gourd' refers to the Big Dipper constellation, which was used by enslaved people in the United States as a guide to navigate their way north towards freedom. By following the drinking gourd, they could find their way to the North Star, which was a guiding light towards freedom and safety.

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